Settler Violence Escalates During West Bank Olive Harvest
In a violent incident on Saturday, November 8, a large group of Israeli settlers launched a brutal attack on Palestinian villagers, activists, and journalists who had gathered for an olive harvest near an unauthorized settler outpost in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The assault, which involved dozens of masked men armed with sticks, clubs, and large rocks, left multiple people injured, including two employees of the Reuters news agency.
Journalists Targeted in Brutal Assault
Witnesses reported that approximately 30 villagers and activists, along with about 10 journalists, were beginning the harvest when dozens of men descended from the outpost on a hill and initiated the attack. Among the victims was Reuters photographer Raneen Sawafta, who was repeatedly struck as she tried to protect herself. She was accompanied by Reuters security adviser Grant Bowden, who was also beaten while attempting to shield her.
Both Sawafta and Bowden were clearly identifiable as press, wearing helmets and protective jackets with visible "Press" labels. Despite this, Sawafta's camera equipment was smashed and her helmet was left with a significant dent from the impact of the attack. An ambulance transported both individuals to a hospital in the Palestinian city of Nablus for medical examination and treatment.
A Pattern of Escalating Violence
The area, located south of the West Bank city of Nablus near the Palestinian village of Beita, has been a known flashpoint for such settler attacks. These incidents have increased across the West Bank since the war in Gaza began two years ago and have notably escalated during this year's olive harvest season, which started in October.
Jonathan Pollak, an Israeli rights activist who witnessed the event, stated that approximately 50 masked settlers were involved. He described the assailants as beating Sawafta "without mercy," continuing to throw stones at her while she was on the ground and attacking anyone who tried to come to her aid. The settlers were heard shouting in Hebrew, including phrases like "Go from there."
In response to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces stated they had dispatched soldiers to the scene after receiving reports of a confrontation, but witnesses said they saw no Israeli soldiers present during the attack. The IDF issued a statement condemning any act of violence and stating they would continue to operate to maintain security, adding that police would conduct any further review.
This attack occurs amidst a dramatic surge in settler violence. According to a United Nations report released the day before the attack, Israeli settlers carried out at least 264 attacks in the West Bank against Palestinians in October alone. This represents the highest monthly total since UN officials began tracking such incidents in 2006. Israeli rights groups note that such incidents are rarely investigated by the Israeli authorities, and perpetrators are seldom held accountable.
