Israeli settlers attack olive farmers and Washington Post journalist in West Bank
Settlers hurl rocks at Palestinians and beat photographer Heidi Levine as part of yearly attacks to disrupt harvest
TL;DR
- Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians attempting to harvest olives in the occupied West Bank on Friday.
- At least six Palestinians were injured in Abu Falah, and Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine was beaten and robbed.
- Settlers used clubs, firearms, and slingshots, and the Israeli military fired teargas at Palestinians.
- There has been a surge in settler violence since September 27, with at least 170 attacks reported.
- Israel imposed new rules barring Palestinians from harvesting trees in Area C, increasing restricted land by 30%.
- Thousands of olive trees have been damaged or uprooted.
- Settlers rarely face accountability for their actions, often with the protection of the Israeli military.
- The olive harvest is an economic lifeline for Palestinians, especially after work permits were revoked.
- Settlements in the West Bank are considered violations of international law by the UN and most countries.