US Lawmaker Calls for Release of American Detained in West Bank

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) publicly demanded that the Israeli government free 20-year-old American citizen Sama Safi, who has been held for two months by Israeli military forces while staying with family in the occupied West Bank. Pressley said she had met Safi’s parents, who described “inhumane conditions” and a worsening chronic health issue during the detention. She urged the Trump administration to secure Safi’s immediate release and ensure continued medical care.

Common Dreams

Safi, a psychology student at Birzeit University, was arrested together with three other women in the West Bank. The Guardian reported the arrests occurred in June. Israeli authorities have not filed any criminal charges against Safi. An attorney representing Safi asserted that “there is little credible evidence” justifying her continued detention.

Common Dreams

Pressley’s demand was echoed by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who cited Safi’s case in a call for U.S. The Israeli military’s statement framed the arrests as security-related, while Safi’s legal counsel emphasized the lack of evidentiary support for the detention.

Common Dreams

The episode has heightened scrutiny of U.S.–Israel diplomatic dynamics. Pressley’s social-media post linked the issue to broader concerns about “unjust and arbitrary detentions.” Van Hollen’s criticism of Ambassador Huckabee reflects growing congressional pressure on the administration to address perceived inconsistencies in the handling of American citizens detained abroad.

Common Dreams

“I’ve been calling on the Trump administration to secure Sama's immediate release, continued access to medical care, and end all unjust and arbitrary detentions,” — Rep. Ayanna Pressley

Common Dreams