By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
20-Year-Old American Citizen Seized From Home Near Ramallah
Sama Safi, a 20-year-old American citizen and honors psychology student at Birzeit University, was taken from her family’s home near Ramallah at 3 a.m. on June 2 by Israeli soldiers.
She was removed without charge and has remained in Israeli detention since, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society.
Transferred Through Multiple Detention Facilities
Following her arrest, Safi was first transferred to Ofer Prison and subsequently moved to the Moscovia interrogation center in Jerusalem.
Her family, who reside in Florida, has not been officially informed of her current location. The US Embassy has also not been notified of where she is being held, according to family statements.
Chronic Medical Condition Raises Urgent Health Concerns
Safi suffers from a chronic medical condition that causes fevers reaching up to 105°F and requires daily medication as well as a quarterly injection she travels abroad specifically to receive.
Her family and lawmakers have raised urgent alarms that continued detention without proper medical access places her life in direct danger.
One of Five Palestinian Women Detained That Week
Safi was among five Palestinian women detained during the same week. The group included two members of the Palestinian women’s national football team.
The Israeli military stated the detained women were suspected of what it described as “promoting terrorist activities,” without providing specific evidence or formal charges.
US Lawmakers Demand Immediate Release
Representative Rashida Tlaib and Senator Chris Van Hollen have both issued formal demands for Safi’s immediate release, directing pressure at both the Israeli government and the US administration.
Senator Van Hollen stated that he was deeply frustrated with Israel receiving American taxpayer funding while mistreating American citizens. Representative Tlaib warned directly that Safi’s life is at risk and called on the US government to act immediately.
Embassy Kept in the Dark, Family Without Answers
Neither Safi’s Florida-based family nor the US Embassy has been told where she is currently held a point that has intensified demands from lawmakers for urgent consular access and transparency.
The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society has been the primary source tracking her transfers between facilities.
No Formal Charges Filed
As of the time of this report, Israel has filed no formal charges against Safi. Her detention falls under a pattern of administrative holds that rights organizations have long criticized as lacking due process.
The case has drawn significant attention given her American citizenship, her student status, and the severity of her medical needs.
American Citizens in Israeli Detention: Legal Rights and Consular Access
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