US national ‘beaten to death’ by West Bank settlers, family says

"He was not moving when I got there and he could barely breathe. [But] there was time to save him.”

The IDF, however, said that the confrontation began when "terrorists hurled rocks at Israeli civilians", leaving two "lightly injured".

A military spokesperson added: “Shortly after, a violent confrontation developed in the area involving Palestinians and Israeli civilians, which included vandalism of Palestinian property, arson, physical clashes and rock hurling.

“Upon receiving the reports, the IDF, Israel Police and Israel Border forces were dispatched to the scene in order to disperse the confrontation.

"The forces used riot dispersal means in response to the violent confrontation and all of the rioters dispersed.

“The IDF and security forces remain committed to maintaining order and the safety of all of the area’s residents and operate against all acts of violence within their area of responsibility."

They also confirmed that they were “aware” of reports that a Palestinian civilian had been killed and that the police and Shin Bet are investigating.

Musallet’s family, though, have called for a more extensive probe to be undertaken by the US State Department, given his US citizenship.

In a statement issued through their lawyer, they said: “Saif was a brother and a son, just starting the prime of his life.

"He was a kind and hard-working and deeply respected young man. Saif built a successful business in Tampa and was known for his generosity, ambition and connection to his Palestinian heritage.

"[He died] protecting his family’s land from settlers who were attempting to steal it.

"[His death] is an unimaginable nightmare and injustice that no family should ever have to face.

"We demand the US State Department lead an immediate investigation and hold the Israeli settlers who killed Saif accountable for their crimes. We demand justice.”