AFP photojournalist Jaafar Ashtiyeh was injured after being attacked by Israeli settlers while reporting in the West Bank, according to the news agency.
The 58-year-old veteran Palestinian photographer suffered injuries to his head and chest and was taken to hospital by ambulance, according to John Wessels, AFP's chief photographer for Israel and the Palestinian territories, who was with him at the time.
“We unequivocally condemn this serious attack, yet another against journalists trying to cover events in the West Bank, and demand a thorough investigation,” AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said.
Ashtiyeh and Wessels were near Aqraba, in the northern West Bank, reporting on the start of the annual olive harvest, which had been marked by attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
While the journalists were watching an Israeli soldier arrest a Palestinian, a vehicle suddenly approached and one of its occupants opened fire in their direction and towards Palestinians who were at the scene.
At least six people then ran towards the AFP journalists while firing shots.
As Ashtiyeh attempted to get into the AFP vehicle to leave the area, two men attacked and grabbed him before striking him with the butt of a firearm.
“I could hear him screaming,” said Wessels, who was also attacked by a man.
The attackers also stole Ashtiyeh's camera.
The Palestinian AFP photographer is currently being treated at a hospital in Nablus, in the northern West Bank.
X-rays showed no fractures, but he will remain in hospital under medical observation, his son Zain Jaafar said.
“It is unacceptable for journalists to be beaten and robbed by armed settlers under the eyes of members of the Israeli security forces who did not even attempt to intervene,” Chetwynd said.
AFP contacted the Israeli military regarding the attack.
Foreign Press Association raises concern
The Foreign Press Association (FPA), which represents international media organisations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, expressed “deep concern” over the incident.
“The Israeli authorities must investigate why soldiers who were in the area did not intervene during this attack against journalists who were clearly identifiable,” the association said.
It added that the incident represented “a blatant attempt to intimidate the press and obstruct accurate coverage of the situation in the West Bank”.
“International media have a responsibility to present all sides and will not be deterred by physical attacks or threats,” the FPA said.
Source: ANA-MPA / AFP
