Masked Israeli settlers launched an attack on Palestinians and injured an American journalist during an olive harvesting activity in the occupied West Bank, as per witnesses and video evidence. About 80 settlers descended on Palestinians collecting olives in Abu Falah, a village northeast of Ramallah. Videos captured settlers using slingshots to pelt stones at Palestinians, with images showing burning olive trees near the settlers.
Israeli military jeeps arrived during the attack, but the violence continued even after their presence. Tear gas was fired towards Palestinians who were evading the jeeps, while some Palestinians retaliated by throwing stones in self-defense.
The incident involved Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was reporting in the village and was subjected to violence. She was knocked down, kicked repeatedly, and had her cameras and phone taken. Levine, wearing press identification, was surrounded by settlers as shown in the video footage.
The Israeli army responded to the incident by dispatching troops and police to the area, citing a report of a violent confrontation. The army stated that all details of the incident would be investigated and mentioned using riot dispersal methods to control the situation.
The attack is part of a wave of settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, with nearly 200 incidents reported during this year’s olive harvest season, causing casualties and property damage. Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this claim, referring to the areas as “disputed.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has supported the expansion of settlements, and human rights groups have accused the Israeli government of backing settler violence to displace Palestinians. The incident in Abu Falah is a stark reminder of the tensions prevailing in the region.