Israeli settlers beat press photographer as soldiers watch in West Bank

Jaafar Ashtiyeh was covering violence against olive farmers when settlers set upon him with the butts of their rifles

Israeli settlers beat press photographer as soldiers watch in West Bank

TL;DR

  • An AFP photographer, Jaafar Ashtiyeh, was assaulted and hospitalized by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
  • The attack occurred while Ashtiyeh was covering settler violence against Palestinian olive farmers.
  • Armed Israeli soldiers were present during the assault but did not intervene.
  • The incident is part of a wave of worsening settler violence in the West Bank, with farmers frequently targeted during the olive harvest.
  • Ashtiyeh's camera equipment was also stolen by the assailants.
  • International press organizations have condemned the attack and called for a full investigation, highlighting concerns about intimidation and obstruction of reporting.