On Friday, a group of around 80 militant Israeli settlers attacked a West Bank village called Abu Falah during its annual olive harvest, injuring at least two people, including a journalist. The settlers, dressed in black and wearing masks, descended from a hill and threw rocks at the Palestinian villagers who were picking olives, an important tradition for them.
During the attack, the settlers positioned themselves among the olive trees and used slings to launch stones at the villagers, who responded by defending themselves with stones. One Palestinian farmer, Moutaz Abdelhadi, noted that the settlers appeared to be trying to force them out of their homes. Two Israeli military jeeps arrived at the scene, but the violence continued, with soldiers firing tear gas at the Palestinians. Gunfire was also reported, and at least one armed settler was seen firing a weapon.
A photojournalist with the Washington Post, Heidi Levine, was among those injured. She described being attacked and kicked while on the ground but was able to receive medical help after her Palestinian colleagues intervened. Levine stated that her protective gear likely saved her from more serious harm. The Washington Post’s executive editor, Matt Murray, condemned the attack and called for an investigation.
Violence from Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has increased significantly, with at least 170 attacks reported since late September. This rise in violence has been encouraged by the current right-wing government in Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has expanded settlements in the area. Despite condemning the violence, Netanyahu has not taken strong action to address these incidents, which have received international criticism and potential sanctions.
On the same day as the Abu Falah attack, settlers also attacked farmers in the Turmus Ayya area, burning cars and assaulting individuals. Observers described the settlers’ actions as sneaky and violent, further escalating tensions in the region.
With information from Reuters
