The harvesting season in parts of the occupied West Bank was marred by a violent episode that left several people hurt and olive groves damaged. In the village of Abu Falah northeast of Ramallah dozens of masked Israeli settlers descended on Palestinians collecting their olives, throwing stones, using slingshots and setting trees and vehicles on fire. Among the injured was veteran U.S. photojournalist Heidi Levine who was covering the harvest and was attacked despite wearing a clearly marked press vest.
Witnesses said the assault involved groups of masked individuals running down from nearby hills, seizing cameras and phones, and repeatedly beating civilians and the journalist. After the initial settler attack, soldiers arrived; witnesses reported that security forces used tear gas and fired live rounds, injuring at least one Palestinian in the leg during the confrontation.
Attack on Heidi Levine and the scene in Abu Falah
Observers described seeing Levine fall to the ground during the assault and be surrounded by attackers who kicked and clubbed her. Her equipment was taken during the incident. Local volunteers and other journalists managed to reach her when the assailants temporarily withdrew, and medics moved her toward an ambulance. As they assisted her, the settlers reportedly renewed their charge, forcing chaos at the scene. Levine was transported to a hospital in Ramallah for treatment.
Those present said that after the settlers pulled back, Israeli forces entered the area and fired at Palestinians, using both tear gas and live ammunition. One man was shot in the thigh and later evacuated by ambulance. Witnesses contend that soldiers did not act to prevent the initial settler violence and that security responses at times targeted Palestinians and journalists on the ground.
Other incidents during the olive harvest and recent context
Violence linked to the seasonal olive harvest was reported in multiple West Bank communities on the same day. In Burqa east of Ramallah, several people were injured in a settler attack on pickers. Near Turmus Aya assailants allegedly burned vehicles and olive trees and injured a civil defence volunteer while also attempting to seize harvested fruit.
The recent incidents are part of a broader spike in attacks around harvest time. Human rights groups monitoring the area have documented scores of similar assaults since late September, noting a pattern of intimidation that includes destruction of agricultural property, theft of crops and attacks on homes and vehicles. Observers warn that such tactics threaten both livelihoods and Palestinians’ access to their land, with intimidation sometimes extending beyond groves into residential areas.
Previous attacks on harvesters and journalists
The pattern of violence includes deadly and injurious episodes earlier in the season. On October 7, a Palestinian man, Ali Hassan Yasser al-Bazzari aged 44, was killed during an assault on olive harvesters near Burqa with witnesses reporting involvement by settlers and soldiers. In related incidents, journalists documenting harvest-area violence have also been targeted: on October 6 an experienced Palestinian photographer, Jaafar Ashtiyeh was reportedly struck with rifle butts while covering settler attacks on farmers near Aqraba.
These events have drawn condemnation from colleagues and press freedom advocates, who emphasise that journalists wearing protected identifiers should be able to operate safely. Family members, local medics and independent observers have repeatedly expressed concern that perpetrators face limited accountability, a factor that defenders of press and human rights say fuels repeat attacks.
Impact on communities and agricultural livelihoods
The seasonal assault on groves affects income, food supplies and the emotional security of farming communities. Farmers report not only the physical loss of trees and fruit—sometimes centuries-old olive trees—but also the psychological toll of persistent threats. Volunteers and civil defence teams who respond to fires and attacks face risk while trying to protect property and evacuate the wounded.
Local commentators and residents say the intimidation has prompted some families to avoid fields or abandon lands temporarily, creating long-term risks for traditional farming practices. The combination of direct violence, theft of harvested olives and damage to transport and storage infrastructure has a cascading effect on local economies tied to the olive season.
Statements and official reactions
Following the attack on the journalist, editorial leadership at her employer issued a call for investigation and accountability, urging that those responsible be identified and prosecuted. Israeli authorities acknowledged reports of a foreign journalist being wounded and stated an intention to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, humanitarian and rights groups monitoring the situation continue to document incidents and press for protections for civilians and reporters on the ground.
As the harvest continues in affected areas, communities and observers remain on alert. The combination of settler attacks, military responses and targeted violence against those documenting events has intensified concern about safety, access to land and the preservation of a vital seasonal economy built around the olive harvest.
