Israeli settlers attack American journalist and Palestinians during olive harvest in West Bank

An American photojournalist, Heidi Levine, was hospitalized in Ramallah following an attack by Israeli settlers in the central West Bank. According to Free Malaysia Today, Levine was working for The Washington Post near the Palestinian villages of Abu Falah and Turmus Ayya when more than 50 masked settlers carrying sticks suddenly attacked her.

Levine stated she was kicked while wearing a helmet and flak jacket and attempted to protect her face by staying on the ground. CBS News confirmed the photographer is in the hospital.

Japan Today reported that dozens of masked settlers, dressed in black, carried out a coordinated attack on Friday that included throwing rocks at Palestinians and burning olive trees. This incident occurred while Levine was covering violence against Palestinian olive farmers. Free Malaysia Today noted that the attack follows an incident 10 days prior in which settlers beat AFP photographer Jaafar Ashtiyeh, also requiring hospital treatment.

Regarding the political response, Free Malaysia Today reported that the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the circumstances of the incident were unclear. This contrasted with a full condemnation offered by his chief rival.

Brief written by urgent.news from CBS News, Free Malaysia Today, Japan Today — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.