Washington Post Photographer Injured in Israeli Settler Attack in West Bank

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, The Washington Post reported that its staff photographer, Heidi Levine, was injured during an assault by Israeli settlers on the village of Abu Falah in the eastern part of Ramallah, located in the West Bank. The attack resulted in her suffering a bone fracture.

The report indicates that Levine was targeted by a group of masked settlers while she was documenting the annual olive harvest in Abu Falah. Despite wearing a vest clearly marked with the word “Press” on both the front and back, the attackers allegedly threw her to the ground, repeatedly kicked her, and confiscated her cameras and mobile phone.

The Washington Post stated that Levine was transported to a hospital in the Ramallah area for treatment. Speaking to reporters, she mentioned that the attackers kicked her multiple times and suggested that her helmet and protective vest likely prevented more severe injuries.

Witnesses reported that dozens of masked settlers descended from a hill near the village, set olive trees on fire, and threw stones at Palestinians who were engaged in harvesting their crops. Journalists present at the scene were compelled to evacuate due to the escalating violence.

According to The Washington Post’s account, Israeli soldiers arrived at the location but did not intervene to stop the settlers; instead, they fired tear gas at the Palestinians.

This event transpired as settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank have intensified concurrently with the olive harvest season. The monitoring group Peace Now reported that at least 170 settler attacks have been recorded in the West Bank since September 27.