European diplomats and journalists face a surge of violent attacks by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank during the olive harvest.
European diplomats and journalists recently faced violent attacks in the occupied West Bank. These incidents occurred during the seasonal olive harvest. Settler groups targeted several foreign officials and media workers throughout the region.
Next, a group of European diplomats visited Palestinian farmers near the village of Taybeh. Israeli settlers confronted this delegation on Saturday. The attackers damaged a Belgian vehicle and assaulted a French mayor named Bernard Baudoux.
Meanwhile, attackers also targeted veteran Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine. Witnesses described a brutal scene where settlers beat and kicked the 64-year-old reporter. The assailants stole her camera equipment and phone despite her wearing clear press identification.
After that, Israeli forces arrived at the scene of the attack on the journalist. Witnesses claim these soldiers failed to stop the settlers. Instead, the military used tear gas and live fire against the local Palestinians.
Also, an AFP photographer named Jaafar Ashtiyeh suffered injuries during a separate confrontation near Aqraba. Masked men beat him with rifle butts after firing shots at his vehicle. These attackers also seized his professional camera gear.
Then, U.S. Representative Ro Khanna reported being detained by armed settlers earlier this year. He claimed these individuals used American-made rifles to block his path. The congressman stated that the local military supported the settlers during the encounter.
Furthermore, other international volunteers have faced similar violence in the West Bank. In one instance, settlers stormed a Bedouin community and injured four activists from Canada and Italy. They also stole the belongings and passports of these individuals.
Finally, the European Union has demanded accountability for these violent acts. They expect effective measures to protect journalists and civilians. However, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to question the details of these reports.