The United States has urged Israel to take stronger action against violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, following attacks on Palestinian civilians, an American journalist and European diplomats.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was deeply concerned by footage showing an attack on Heidi Levine, an American photojournalist working for The Washington Post. Levine was among at least two people injured in an incident on Friday, October 16, when Israeli settlers reportedly attacked Palestinians during the annual olive harvest.
“We’re very disturbed by those images and what we’re seeing,” Rubio told reporters on Saturday. He added that the United States had repeatedly asked Israel to crack down on such attacks.
American Journalist Injured in West Bank Attack
The attack on Levine has drawn international attention after video footage circulated showing multiple individuals assaulting her. The US State Department has requested further information about the incident, with Rubio saying he expected a report from the US Embassy in Jerusalem.
The incident occurred amid growing concerns over violence targeting Palestinian communities during the olive harvest, an important source of income for many Palestinian families.
According to Israeli monitoring organisation Yesh Din, Israeli settlers have been involved in at least 170 attacks against Palestinians since September 27, around the beginning of the harvest season.
European Diplomats Also Targeted
The violence escalated further on Saturday, when Israeli settlers reportedly attacked Palestinian civilians, European diplomats and a French mayor in the occupied West Bank, according to Belgium’s foreign minister.
The group reportedly included Belgian, French and Polish diplomatic representatives, as well as Catholic representatives. A Belgian diplomatic vehicle was also damaged during the incident.
The attacks have intensified international concern over the safety of civilians and foreign officials operating in the territory.
Washington Presses Israel for Accountability
Rubio’s remarks signal continued US pressure on Israel to prevent further attacks and ensure those responsible face appropriate consequences. The State Department is seeking a clearer account of the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The West Bank, which Palestinians seek as part of a future independent state, has experienced persistent tensions linked to Israeli settlement expansion, military operations and violence against Palestinian communities.
The latest incidents come as Palestinians begin their annual olive harvest, a period that has repeatedly been disrupted by attacks and restrictions on access to agricultural land.
As international scrutiny grows, the response from Israeli authorities and the outcome of investigations into the reported assaults are likely to shape further diplomatic discussions over security and accountability in the occupied West Bank.
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