Washington Post Photographer Severely Injured in West Bank Settler Attack
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine required surgery after a severe finger injury and other wounds sustained during an attack by approximately 80 settlers in the West Bank on Friday. The settlers also reportedly set olive trees on fire and threw stones at Palestinian farmers. The U.S. Embassy and The Washington Post have condemned the attack and called for a full investigation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Washington Post photographer Heidi Levine suffered severe injuries, including a near-amputation of a finger, during a settler attack in the West Bank.
- Approximately 80 settlers attacked Palestinian olive harvesters near Ramallah, setting trees on fire and throwing stones.
- Levine stated she was kicked repeatedly and believes her protective gear saved her life.
- The Washington Post and the U.S. Embassy condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation.
- Related clashes during the olive harvest season involved settlers allegedly obstructing Palestinians, leading to injuries.
American photojournalist Heidi Levine, working for The Washington Post, underwent surgery on Saturday for a severe finger injury sustained during a violent attack by settlers in the West Bank. Her daughter, Ashley Milner, told the Associated Press that Levine's left index finger suffered a deep wound reaching the bone, exposing a tendon, and she nearly lost the digit. Levine also sustained a broken rib, fractured vertebrae, and other bodily injuries.
According to Palestinian reports, approximately 80 settlers attacked Palestinian farmers on Friday as they harvested olives in a grove near the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah. The attackers reportedly set fire to olive trees and threw stones at the Palestinians, who retaliated in self-defense. One farmer told Reuters that the settlers aimed to attack Palestinians and displace them from their homes.
Levine recounted that she was knocked to the ground during the assault, which lasted about ten minutes. She believes her protective vest and helmet, despite clearly identifying her as a journalist, saved her life. "They kept kicking me over and over, at least 50 times," she stated, expressing disbelief at the attackers' actions and calling them "Jewish terrorists," adding that she doubted any would be held accountable.
The Washington Post's Editor-in-Chief, Matt Murray, condemned the attack, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. He emphasized that Levine was clearly marked as a journalist and that the newspaper was relieved she was receiving medical care and was safe, but angered by the unprovoked assault.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem also condemned the attack, stating that the safety of American citizens is a priority and that Washington is monitoring the situation. The spokesperson condemned criminal violence from all sides in the West Bank and called for investigations, arrests, and convictions.
In a related incident on Saturday, Israeli military and border police were dispatched to the "Shirat Tzion" outpost near Beit Lid following clashes between Israelis and Palestinians during the olive harvest. Reports suggest settlers arrived to obstruct Palestinian harvesting, leading to stone-throwing exchanges and Palestinian injuries. Later reports of a car ramming incident were initially attributed to settlers, but an initial investigation indicated a Palestinian vehicle was stolen and used in a traffic accident.
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