Masked israeli settlers attack palestinians harvesting olives; washington post journalist injured as police say they will investigate in west bank

Journalist injured in Abu Falah

Levine was photographing Palestinian farmers harvesting olives in Abu Falah when masked settlers attacked. The Washington Post said she was reporting in the West Bank and wearing a protective vest marked “press.” In a hospital video, Levine said she saw at least 50 masked men carrying slingshots. She said they ran toward her, knocked her down and repeatedly kicked her. Her cameras and phone were taken, and medical workers transported her by ambulance to a hospital.

Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray said the paper was relieved Levine had received medical care and was safe. He condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation and follow-through by authorities.

Police and U.S. response

Israeli police acknowledged reports that a foreign journalist had been injured. They said they would investigate and bring those involved to justice.

Olive harvest attacks reported

The Washington Post said Palestinians were trying to harvest olives when the attack occurred. It also reported that settlers set Palestinian olive groves on fire and threw stones with slingshots.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported two dozen settler attacks on Palestinian olive harvesters on Friday, leaving 20 people injured. The United Nations humanitarian office for Gaza and the West Bank said attacks during the olive harvest season had killed one Palestinian and damaged more than 2,500 olive trees or saplings.