West Bank attack on US photographer draws condemnation

The United States condemned “criminal violence by any party” in the occupied West Bank on Friday after American photojournalist Heidi Levine was attacked while covering violence against Palestinian olive farmers for The Washington Post.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington supported investigations and legal accountability for those responsible. The official did not directly criticise Israeli settlers and said the department had contacted The Washington Post to offer consular assistance.

Levine was taken to hospital in Ramallah. AFP photos showed injuries to her leg and hand. Speaking from her hospital bed, Levine said “more than 50” masked settlers holding sticks suddenly attacked her near the Palestinian villages of Abu Falah and Turmus Ayya in the central West Bank.

“They just kept kicking me and kicking me,” she said, adding that she had used her helmet and flak jacket to protect her face.

The Washington Post said Levine had been wearing a flak jacket clearly marked “Press.” Executive editor Matt Murray said the newspaper was outraged by the attack and urged a thorough investigation.

Violence has flared in recent months in the West Bank, with near-daily attacks, thefts or vandalism by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. US President Donald Trump lifted sanctions targeting Israeli settlers after returning to the White House in January 2025.