AFP Journalists Attacked by Settlers on West Bank

Three French journalists working for the Agence France-Presse (AFP) were assaulted by Israeli settlers while reporting in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the village of Jannatah, near Bethlehem, where Palestinian residents had reportedly been subjected to harassment by settlers who had previously blocked access roads. The AFP journalists were present to cover a story about Israeli activists who had traveled to the village in solidarity with Palestinians, aiming to offer protection. According to AFP, after an altercation between the activists and settlers, Israeli soldiers on site ordered the journalists and activists to leave the area, declaring it a "closed military zone."

Despite the order, the soldiers subsequently allowed two vehicles carrying settlers to proceed. The settlers, reportedly including many children, then began throwing stones at the activists and journalists. One AFP journalist narrowly avoided the projectiles but was then struck on the chin by a child wielding a stick, causing him to bleed. The journalists' car tires were punctured, and its rear windows were smashed. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that five activists received treatment for injuries, and AFP journalists witnessed at least one person being evacuated by a Palestinian ambulance.

Israeli authorities have not yet responded to the reports. The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since 1967, with settlers establishing illegal settlements that are now home to over 500,000 Israelis. The annexation of Palestinian land, often involving violence, has intensified in recent months. Human Rights Watch notes that the Israeli military, which previously claimed to oppose such annexations, is increasingly implicated in these attacks.

“

An AFP journalist dodged the attacks, but was then hit on the chin by a child with a stick, causing him to bleed.