Story perspectives

US Lawmakers Demand Release of Detained Palestinian-American Student

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli soldiers detained 20-year-old Palestinian American student Sama Safi in Jerusalem after a pre-dawn raid on 2 June, without charge.
Senators Peter Welch, Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen and Representative Ayanna Pressley have called for her release.
A U.S. President Donald Trump administration official said the government monitors Safi’s case, seeks consular access, and notes she receives sufficient prison food despite criticism of limited treatment for her chronic autoinflammatory disease.

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Story summary

Israeli soldiers detained 20-year-old Palestinian American student Sama Safi in Jerusalem after a pre-dawn raid on 2 June, without charge.
Senators Peter Welch, Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen and Representative Ayanna Pressley have called for her release.
A U.S. President Donald Trump administration official said the government monitors Safi’s case, seeks consular access, and notes she receives sufficient prison food despite criticism of limited treatment for her chronic autoinflammatory disease.