Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villagers, activists, and journalists on Saturday, November 8, during an olive harvest near a settler outpost south of Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, witnesses said.
Two Reuters employees, a journalist and a security adviser, were among those injured. Attackers wielded sticks, clubs, and large rocks.
The incident occurred in Beita, an area that has seen repeated settler attacks in recent years, which have increased since the war in Gaza began two years ago. Harvest season, which started in October, has frequently been a flashpoint.
Journalists Targeted in Attack
Reuters journalist Raneen Sawafta and her security adviser Grant Bowden were assaulted while wearing helmets and protective jackets labeled “Press.” Sawafta was repeatedly struck with rocks and sticks, and her camera equipment was destroyed. An ambulance transported both to a hospital in Nablus for medical checks.
Israeli activist Jonathan Pollak, who witnessed the attack, said about 50 masked settlers participated. “They beat her without mercy, continuing to stone her while she was on the ground and attacking anyone who tried to help,” he said.
Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Alatrash described settlers armed with batons and sharp tools, masked, and hurling stones as villagers and journalists retreated. Munther Amira, of the Palestinian Authority’s Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, likened the attack to a “zombie assault” by 30–40 settlers.
Responses from Israeli Authorities
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said soldiers were dispatched after reports of a confrontation. The military condemned all violence, stating police would conduct further review. Witnesses said no Israeli soldiers were present during the attack.
A spokesperson for the Shomron Regional Council, representing settlements in the area, did not respond to requests for comment. Israeli police also did not immediately respond.
Context: Rising Settler Violence
In October, Israeli settlers carried out at least 264 attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, the highest monthly total since U.N. officials began tracking such incidents in 2006. Israeli human rights groups report that such attacks are rarely investigated and perpetrators are seldom held accountable.
Activists often accompany Palestinians during olive harvests to document incidents and ensure their right to work the land. Settler outposts, typically unapproved by Israeli authorities, are considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.
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