developing· Security· Updated
US Lawmakers Condemn Settler Violence After Journalist Injured
Dozens of masked Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria attacked Palestinian farmers during an olive harvest in the village of Abu Falah, east of Ramallah, on Friday, October 16, 2026. The attackers threw stones, set olive trees on fire, and beat those present, injuring several Palestinians and an American photojournalist.
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What happened
- 01Dozens of masked Jewish residents attacked Palestinian farmers during an olive harvest in Abu Falah on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- 02American photojournalist Heidi Levine of The Washington Post was hospitalized after being repeatedly kicked during the attack.
- 03At least two Palestinians were injured as attackers threw stones, beat participants, and set olive trees on fire.
- 04Palestinians claimed that IDF forces fired live ammunition and threw gas grenades at them during the clash.
- 05The United States Embassy condemned the attack on the American journalist and demanded the prosecution of those responsible.
- 06Witnesses stated that approximately 80 attackers descended from a hill to assault the villagers, who threw stones in self-defense.
- 07A separate attack near Turmus Ayya on the same day resulted in three vehicles being set on fire.
Heidi Levine, a photojournalist for The Washington Post, was hospitalized after being repeatedly kicked by the attackers, stating that her protective gear saved her life. Witnesses reported that approximately 80 masked individuals descended from a hill, using slingshots to hurl stones at the villagers, who threw stones back in self-defense. Palestinians also claimed that IDF forces fired live ammunition and threw gas grenades at them during the incident.
The United States Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the violence, calling for a full investigation, arrests, and the prosecution of those responsible. The embassy emphasized that the safety of American citizens is a top priority. The incident was part of a series of attacks on Friday, which included another assault near Turmus Ayya where three vehicles were burned.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: The Jerusalem Post. Read The Jerusalem Post’s originalThe coverage
4 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- Centre2
- RightNone
- HarediNone
- Arab2
