Right-Wing Activists Attack Palestinian Olive Harvesters Near Ramallah
Masked right-wing activists attacked Palestinian olive harvesters and left-wing activists near Ramallah on Friday. Security forces intervened, evacuating Palestinians and issuing a closure order, while a separate clash occurred near Jericho.
A group of masked right-wing activists, some armed with clubs, attacked Palestinian harvesters and left-wing activists on Friday during an olive harvest near the West Bank village of Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah. According to Palestinian reports, the attackers forced the participants to halt the harvest.
Witnesses stated that a Paratroopers Brigade force present at the scene failed to control the situation and ultimately forced the Palestinians to evacuate the area. Left-wing activists reported that one settler headbutted an Israeli activist, breaking his nose. While waiting for permission to retrieve vehicles and equipment to prevent theft, further altercations erupted.
Large IDF and Border Police reinforcements subsequently arrived at the site. According to the activists, the security forces barred the landowners from returning and issued a closure order. A police officer summoned by settlers confiscated three Palestinian vehicles over licensing issues and arrested an Israeli activist accused of assault by a settler.
In a separate incident near the West Bank village of Ein Duk, close to Jericho, settlers and right-wing activists attacked residents attempting to protect their homes from a newly erected iron gate. According to Palestinian reports, two residents sustained injuries from iron clubs during the clashes before IDF forces arrived at the scene.
