Amid the ongoing tensions in the West Asian region, concerns have now been raised regarding the rise in Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
As per the latest developments, a photojournalist from the United States and several European diplomats were reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers in the region.
US photojournalist attacked
Following the reports of the increase in settler violence, the Trump administration stated it was "disturbed" by footage of Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine being attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank region.
“We’re very disturbed by those images and what we’re seeing,’ said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding that the Trump administration has asked the Israeli government to “crack down on that stuff.”
Addressing the incident, Washington Post Executive Editor Matt Murray said the attack took place on Friday morning (local time).
In a statement on X, Murray added that Levine was attacked despite being clearly marked as "press".
{{/usCountry}}In a statement on X, Murray added that Levine was attacked despite being clearly marked as "press".
{{/usCountry}}"She was clearly beaten. These are not partisan or risible statements, but indisputable. We urge a thorough investigation and accountability," the WaPo editor said in response to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's office, stating that it would not allow for the "demonisation of a law-abiding Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria.”
Condemning the attack, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called for a full investigation, arrest and prosecution of the accused settlers.
“Attacking a female photographer is a despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards,” Huckabee said, adding that it was a "dishonourable act of senseless violence.”
Earlier this month, AFP photographer Jaafar Ashtiyeh was also attacked while covering tensions over the olive harvest. The photographer’s camera was stolen by settlers, and the photographer was left with several fractured ribs
European diplomats, French mayor also attacked
In a separate incident, diplomats from France, Belgium and Poland were attacked by Israeli settlers in the village of Taybeh. An AFP report added that a visiting French mayor was also subject to the attack.
Speaking to AFP, the 78-year-old mayor said masked settlers yelled defamatory comments about France and kicked and hit him with iron bars as he joined Palestinian olive farmers in the West Bank alongside top French and Belgian representatives in Jerusalem and Polish diplomats.
"I think that if settlers are behaving like this, there is a tolerance on the part of the Israeli government. The whole world needs to know what's happening. For me, I'll go back to my country, and everything will be fine. Those who continue to suffer the most are those who are here," he told the French news agency.
Also Read | UK renames consulate to Jerusalem as ‘mission’ amid sanctions row with Israel | What we know
“The Israeli authorities must arrest those responsible for these revolting acts and bring them to justice. They must urgently halt this criminal violence and guarantee the safety of civilian populations, as they are compelled to do under international law,” said French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot in a statement condemning the attack.
Sharp increase in settler violence ahead of Israel polls
Violence by Jewish settlers against Palestinians has surged during the annual olive harvest, with activists claiming that authorities have done little to stop.
This surge in violence also comes ahead of the general elections in Israel and an ongoing row with the UK over its sanctions regarding the expansion of Israeli settler in the West Bank region.
Also Read |Israel minister's call for war, E1 settlement plan: A look at the West Bank crisis
Taking note of the recent attacks, the Israeli foreign ministry condemned the attack, and Israeli police promised to open an investigation.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged a "smear" campaign against settlers.
Netanyahu said the diplomats should have coordinated their movements with the Israeli military and pointed out that Mayor Baudoux is a communist known for supporting the Palestinian cause.
“These reports come amid concerns about a coordinated campaign to smear Israel and the Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria during the annual olive harvest, relying on sensational headlines before the full facts emerge. We may see further allegations in the coming days. By the time the evidence is fully examined, the reputational damage from premature conclusions may already be done,” said the statement from Netanyahu’s office.