Israeli settlers beat press photographer as soldiers watch in West Bank

Veteran Agence France-Presse photographer Jaafar Ashtiyeh was severely beaten by armed Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank while covering violence against Palestinian olive farmers. The assault, which occurred in the presence of about a dozen Israeli soldiers who did not intervene, resulted in Ashtiyeh sustaining bruises to his head and torso and requiring hospitalization. The incident took place near the village of Aqraba amid a worsening wave of settler violence targeting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season. Ashtiyeh's camera equipment was also stolen. Media rights groups have condemned the attack, calling for an investigation into the soldiers' inaction and highlighting the increasing targeting of journalists in the West Bank.

The start of the olive harvest season in the occupied West Bank has been marred by violence from Israeli settlers and forces. Palestinians attempting to harvest their crops have faced beatings, property damage, and theft of olives and tools. In several incidents, settlers attacked families, burned trees, and drove livestock through groves, while Israeli soldiers blocked farmers from accessing their land and confiscated belongings. Two Palestinians were killed in separate incidents involving settlers and Israeli forces. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes continued despite a ceasefire. In a separate development, Israeli courts reinstated banned Arab-majority political lists for an upcoming election after an election commission vote.