Israeli Settlers Injure 6 in West Bank Olive Harvest Attacks as Violence Hits 170 Incidents
Updated
Updated · CNN · Oct 16
Israeli Settlers Injure 6 in West Bank Olive Harvest Attacks as Violence Hits 170 Incidents
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Oct 16
Summary
At least six people were injured in Abu Falah near Ramallah after about 80 masked settlers armed with clubs, slingshots and some firearms attacked Palestinians harvesting olives, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Heidi Levine, a Washington Post photographer, was beaten for more than 10 minutes, hospitalized in Ramallah and robbed of her passport, phone, wallet and equipment despite wearing clear press markings.
Videos and witness accounts showed settlers also burning three cars near Turmus Ayya, stealing hundreds of bags of olives and damaging trees, while Israeli troops fired tear gas when Palestinians threw rocks back.
Yesh Din says settlers have carried out at least 170 attacks since Sept. 27; Palestinian authorities say four Palestinians have been killed and more than 100 injured over the past month.
The violence has intensified under new harvest restrictions barring Palestinians from entering 8,800 hectares in Area C without military approval, a 30% increase from last year, even as the olive crop remains a key livelihood.