An Israeli settler attacks a left-wing activist at an Israeli outpost in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian village of Jannatah, just south of the city of Bethlehem on August 25, 2026.
'Israeli' settlers attack AFP journalists in West Bank
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Settlers assault AFP team, damage vehicles in Jannatah.
- AFP journalist injured in settler attack near Bethlehem.
- Settler violence leaves five injured in Jannatah.
- 'Israeli' forces investigate attack on AFP journalists.
A three-person reporting team from international news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) was attacked by 'Israeli' settlers on Tuesday while covering tensions in the occupied West Bank village of Jannatah, located near Bethlehem.
The journalists had traveled to the area to document solidarity visits by 'Israeli' activists supporting local Palestinians subjected to ongoing harassment by 'Israeli' settlers who had recently blocked a local road.
An altercation erupted between settlers and activists, prompting the 'Israeli' military to order journalists to clear the area, which officers declared a "closed military zone". Shortly after the order, two additional vehicles filled with settlers arrived on the scene.
Physical assault, vehicle destruction
The arriving group of settlers, which included many children, began throwing stones at the assembled journalists and activists.
One AFP journalist managed to duck an incoming stone, but was subsequently struck in the chin with a stick by a child settler, resulting in minor bleeding.
Upon returning to their parked vehicles, the AFP crew found both agency cars heavily damaged.
The rear windshields were smashed in, and the tires had been punctured.
Vehicles belonging to accompanying activists sustained similar vandalism.
Medics from the Palestine Red Crescent Society reported treating five individuals for various injuries, while AFP reporters witnessed at least one 'Israeli' activist being transported away in a Palestinian ambulance.
Military camera seizure
During the clash, an 'Israeli' soldier temporarily seized a video camera belonging to an AFP video journalist before returning it shortly afterward.
An 'Israeli' military spokesperson stated that the temporary confiscation of the equipment "is currently being reviewed". The spokesperson added that 'Israeli' police joined military personnel at the site to collect evidence regarding the vehicular damage, confirming that "a police investigation has been opened into the incident".
Escalating tensions in occupied territory
More than 500,000 'Israelis' reside in the West Bank—which 'Israel' has occupied since 1967—alongside approximately three million Palestinians.
The attack occurs as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing administration continues advancing settlement construction ahead of upcoming October 27 elections.
Violence committed against Palestinians by 'Israeli' settlers has increased dramatically since the October 7, 2023.
