Journalist attacked near West Bank villages

A photojournalist was injured on Friday, October 16, after being attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank while covering the olive harvest near the villages of Turmus Ayya and Khirbet Abu Falah. The incident occurred as the journalist was working with a group of Palestinians during the harvest season.

Journalist’s identity and attack details

The journalist, identified as Heidi Levine in some reports, was covering the olive harvest when she was violently attacked by a group of masked men. She described being thrown to the ground, beaten, and having her camera equipment taken, with attackers using wooden sticks and possibly iron bars.

Journalist’s defense and attackers’ actions

Levine stated she was wearing a helmet and body armor marked "Press" and tried to identify herself as a journalist and a mother to calm the attackers. Despite this, the attackers took her camera bag, passport, and phone and continued to kick her even after she was on the ground.

Scale of the attack and Palestinian response

Some reports indicated the attack was part of a coordinated assault involving about 80 masked individuals who also set fire to olive trees and threw stones at the Palestinians. The Palestinians reportedly responded by throwing stones in return.

Context of increased settler violence

The attack occurred amid a reported increase in violence by Israeli settlers during the olive harvest season in the West Bank. Earlier in October, settlers had beaten an AFP photographer covering the harvest, and in July, a team from CNN was attacked by settlers near Ramallah.

Reactions from media and authorities

The Washington Post and CNN reported that the attack on Levine was unjustified and called for a thorough investigation. Israeli police confirmed they had opened an investigation and stated they would treat any act of violence against journalists with the greatest severity. The Israeli army also committed to examining the circumstances of the attack.