Israeli settler attack in West Bank: 36 Palestinians injured while picking olives

On West Bank There was another outbreak of violence – Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians during the olive harvest in the village Beyta.

According to Palestinian sources, at least 36 people were injuredincluding journalists and local residents. The Israeli army declined to comment on the incident.

Photographer French agency AFP reported that he was stonedand his car was set on fire (well, at least they didn’t kill me, that’s a joy). International organizations have demanded an investigation into the attack and the protection of journalists working in the conflict zone.

Harvest Attack

In a Palestinian village Beytalocated in the south West Bankthere was an attack by a group of Israeli settlers on participants in a rural olive picking event. According to eyewitnesses, the attack was carried out by about 70 people armed with stones and clubs.

No less than 36 peopleamong them are farmers, volunteers and journalists. One of the photographers reported that he received multiple bruises and wounds from stones on his back and arms, after which he was taken to hospital and released with bruises and minor injuries.

Journalists’ cars parked nearby were stoned and partially burned. Witnesses stated that Israeli soldierswho were nearby before the attack, made no attempt to stop the settlers.

International media reaction

The incident caused widespread reaction in the journalistic community. Editor-in-Chief French agency AFP Mehdi Lebuachera issued an official statement, calling the incident “a blatant example of the dangerous environment in which reporters work in the West Bank.”

“We strongly condemn this outrageous attack. We call Israeli army not only ensure the safety of journalists performing their professional duties, but also bring those responsible to justice,” Lebuachera said.

Army silence and political context

Representatives Israel Defense Forces (IDF) refused to comment on what happened, despite requests from international media. The incident was one of the worst acts of settler violence in the Palestinian territories in recent months.

According to human rights organizations, attacks on Palestinians and journalists in rural areas increased sharply in 2024-2025, especially during the olive harvest season. Such attacks tend to take place near disputed settlements and often occur in the presence of the Israeli military.

Local residents in Beita said farmers temporarily stopped harvesting their crops after the attack, fearing more clashes. International observers have appealed to the Israeli authorities to guarantee the safety of civilians and freedom of media in the Palestinian territories.

The Beita incident was yet another reminder of growing tensions in West Bankwhere the boundaries between military zones, settlements and civilian areas remain unclear and responsibilities for security vague.

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