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AFP photographer assaulted by Israeli settlers in West Bank
An experienced Palestinian photographer for Agence France-Presse (AFP), Jaafar Ashtiyeh, was assaulted by armed Israeli settlers near the village of Aqraba in the northern West Bank. The incident occurred during the annual olive harvest, a period of significant economic and cultural importance for local Palestinian communities.
According to witnesses, including fellow AFP photographer John Wessels, the attack began when a quad bike approached the journalists and an occupant opened fire. While Ashtiyeh attempted to reach a marked press vehicle, several men attacked him, striking him repeatedly with rifle butts. Ashtiyeh sustained bruising to his head and torso and was hospitalized in Nablus. While X-rays showed no fractures, he remains under medical observation. During the assault, the attackers also stole his camera equipment.
In a separate but related escalation, a Palestinian man was shot in the foot during the same incident. Witnesses reported that approximately a dozen armed Israeli soldiers were present about 500 meters from the scene but did not intervene to stop the assault. AFP has strongly condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation into the violence against journalists.
Concurrently, Israeli forces have conducted widespread operations across the West Bank, including raids, arrests, and home demolitions in areas such as Nablus and near Jerusalem, coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7 attacks.
Entities
AFP · Agence France-Presse · Aqraba · Jaafar Ashtiyeh · John Wessels · Nablus
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Israeli soldiers were present near the scene but did not intervene to stop the settlers. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.thetoc.gr · madhyamamonline.com · www.cmjornal.pt · +2 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] AFP News Agency has condemned the attack and demanded a thorough investigation. www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · madhyamamonline.com · lesinguliersete.fr · +5 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] AFP photo chief John Wessels witnessed the attack and reported being threatened with a pistol. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.thetoc.gr · +2 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The attack occurred during the annual olive harvest in the Aqraba area. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.thetoc.gr · +5 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] At least one Palestinian was wounded in the foot in the incident. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · madhyamamonline.com · www.excelsior.com.mx
- [● 10 SOURCES] Armed settlers attacked journalists and farmers near Aqraba in the West Bank. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.thetoc.gr · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Jaafar Ashtiyeh is conscious and under 24-hour monitoring, with X-rays showing no fractures. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.thetoc.gr · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The assailants stole Jaafar Ashtiyeh's camera equipment. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · lesinguliersete.fr · www.iefimerida.gr · information.tv5monde.com · www.thetoc.gr · +5 more