A devastating incident unfolded on July 11 in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians in the al-Baten area, resulting in the deaths of two young men, Saif Musallet and Muhammad “Rizik” al-Shalabi. The attack, which was captured on video, shows settlers throwing rocks and opening fire on the group of friends who were hanging out in their family’s olive grove.
The events leading up to the attack began after the noon Dhuhr prayer, when Saif, Rizik, and about half a dozen friends decided to spend time in their family’s grove. At around 2:15 pm, they were approached by about a dozen settlers, many armed with clubs or sticks, and some with guns. The settlers began throwing rocks, and the young men tried to escape. However, they were chased by the settlers, who called for backup, and the attack escalated into a massive assault involving around 70 settlers.
During the chaos, Rizik was shot in the chest and beaten by settlers, who shouted “Yes! I got you!” as he lay on the ground. Meanwhile, Saif was hit with a rock in the back, toppled, and beaten with clubs and sticks by a group of settlers. He later succumbed to his injuries while seeking help. According to his brother Muhammad, Saif’s last moments were agonizing, with him vomiting and struggling to breathe.
The Israeli military’s response to the incident was criticized, with many accusing them of not doing enough to prevent the attack or stop it once it had begun. Ambulances were blocked from reaching the injured, and when they finally arrived, they were attacked by settlers. The delay in medical attention likely contributed to the deaths of Saif and Rizik.
Saif’s father, Kamel Musallet, expressed his grief and frustration, saying, “I know I’m not going to get justice, but if we can stop the Israeli settler extremism, and the vandalism and violence… I just want to save [al-Baten].” The US ambassador to Israel has offered to ask Israel to launch an investigation, but Kamel’s family and others in the community have little faith in the Israeli justice system.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, with over 1,400 attacks documented in 2024, and thousands of Palestinians displaced due to settler violence, military raids, and home demolitions. The area where the incident occurred is under Israeli military control, and the settlers’ actions are seen as part of a broader effort to assert control over Palestinian land.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with many questioning the Israeli military’s response and the lack of consequences for the settlers involved. As the community mourns the loss of Saif and Rizik, there are growing concerns about the ongoing violence and the impact it has on Palestinian families and communities.
