US Lawmaker Raises Concern Over Detention of Palestinian American Student in West Bank
A U.S. congressman has expressed concern over the detention of a Palestinian American student by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, calling for diplomatic efforts to secure her release.
Representative Derek Tran, a Democrat from California, said he was “deeply alarmed” by the case of 20-year-old Sama Safi, who was reportedly taken from her home at night and is currently being held without formal charges.
According to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society, Safi was detained earlier this month along with several other female students. Her case has drawn attention from U.S. lawmakers who say it raises due process and human rights concerns.
Tran described the arrest as part of a broader pattern of rights violations affecting Palestinians and urged the U.S. administration to take urgent diplomatic steps to ensure her release. He called on the State Department to use all available channels to address the situation.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed awareness of the detention and said U.S. officials are monitoring the case. The administration emphasized its commitment to assisting American citizens abroad but did not provide additional details.
Palestinian sources estimate that tens of thousands of people have been detained in the occupied territories since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
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