AFP photojournalist Jaafar Ashtiyeh, who was following the olive harvest of Palestinian farmers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was attacked by Israeli settlers trying to usurp Palestinians' land.
While Ashtiyeh, who was injured in her head and body, was taken to the hospital, it was stated that the attackers also took the journalist's equipment.
Jaafar Ashtiyeh, 58, one of AFP's experienced photojournalists in the Palestinian territories, and his colleague John Wessels were following the Palestinian olive harvest near the village of Aqraba in the north of the West Bank.
While journalists saw an Israeli soldier detaining a person in the area, it was reported that an all-terrain vehicle was rapidly approaching the hill and a person in the vehicle opened fire with live bullets.
As a result of the fire, a Palestinian was shot in the foot and injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent announced that the injured person was taken to hospital.
THEY HIT THEM WITH THEIR RIFLE BUTTS
It was stated that after the incident, at least 6 armed people ran towards journalists.
Ashtiyeh was attacked by 2 people while trying to get into the vehicle, which clearly had the word "Press" on it. It was reported that the attackers knocked Ashtiyeh to the ground and repeatedly hit her head and body with their rifle butts.
His colleague Wessels also said he was threatened with a gun.
It was reported that Ashtiyeh, who was taken to a hospital in Nablus by ambulance after the attack, was conscious.
It was stated that no fractures were detected during the checks, but there were bruises on his head and body. It was noted that Ashtiyeh will be kept under surveillance in the hospital as a precaution.
The attackers also reportedly took Ashtiyeh's camera and other equipment.
IT WAS STATED THAT ISRAELI SOLDIERS DID NOT INTERVENE
AFP photojournalist Wessels said that there were at least 12 Israeli soldiers about 500 meters away during the attack, but the soldiers did not intervene in the incident.
Wessels also stated that the person who opened fire first was wearing a long white shirt, military trousers and boots.
AFP requested a statement from the Israeli army regarding the incident.
AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd stated that they strongly condemned the attack and called for a full investigation.
“We strongly condemn another serious attack on journalists covering developments in the West Bank,” Chetwynd said.
The Foreign Press Association also declared that it was "deeply concerned" about the attack and asked for an investigation into why Israeli soldiers in the region did not intervene.
The association described the attack as an attempt to intimidate the press and prevent reporting of developments in the West Bank.
SETTLER VIOLENCE INCREASES IN THE WEST BANK
Attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, theft and property damage have become more frequent in the West Bank in recent months.
It is stated that olive groves belonging to Palestinians are targeted, especially during the olive harvest period.
There are approximately 500 thousand Israeli settlers in the West Bank, where approximately 3 million Palestinians live. According to international law, Israeli settlements established in occupied territories are considered illegal.
Press freedom organizations also state that Israeli settlers have recently targeted journalists more frequently and that reporting activities in the region have become increasingly difficult.
