Violent Attack on Palestinian Woman Raises Concerns Over Settler Violence

Mon Oct 20 2025 22:35:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A Palestinian woman has sustained severe injuries after an unprovoked assault by a masked Israeli settler in the occupied West Bank, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence during the olive harvest season.

In a troubling escalation of violence, a 55-year-old Palestinian woman was hospitalized after being struck by a masked Israeli settler while picking olives in Turmus Ayya. The incident, captured on video, has raised significant concerns about settler aggression in the region, especially during the olive harvest, a crucial time for Palestinian farmers. Despite the Israel Defense Forces' condemnation of such acts, critics allege that the settlers enjoy impunity and that official investigations often yield no convictions.

A 55-year-old Palestinian woman has been taken to hospital after being clubbed over the head by a masked Jewish settler as she was picking olives.

The unprovoked attack, which took place on Sunday morning in the Palestinian village of Turmus Ayya in the occupied West Bank, was captured on video by US journalist Jasper Nathaniel.

Mr. Nathaniel stated that the settler knocked the woman unconscious with the first strike of his stick, before hitting her again while she lay on the ground. She has been identified locally as Umm Saleh Abu Alia.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported to the BBC that the confrontation was dispersed after its forces arrived and emphasized a strong condemnation of any form of violence by settlers.

However, Mr. Nathaniel claimed that Israeli soldiers were present before the attack and had 'lured' observers into an ambush, departing the scene just before the assault occurred.

According to Israeli sources, approximately 80% of the residents of Turmus Ayya hold US citizenship or residency. The BBC has reached out to US officials for comment on the situation.

The young male attacker was seen wielding a large wooden stick, resembling a club, before striking Mrs. Abu Alia.

After the assault, she was seen bleeding as she was transported to the hospital. Initially placed in intensive care, doctors report she is now in stable condition.

Her cousin, Hamdi Abu Alia, confirmed that medical staff discovered she had been struck twice on the head, with details corroborated by Amin Abu Alia, the mayor of the nearby village of al-Mughayyir.

The attack coincided with a broader incident involving at least 15 masked settlers throwing stones and assaulting other Palestinians during the olive harvest. Multiple vehicles were also vandalized.

This incident is among many escalating confrontations concerning the olive harvest, which began officially on October 9. Harvesting olives is a longstanding cultural tradition for Palestinians and is economically vital yet increasingly dangerous.

Farmers throughout the West Bank face mounting risks during this season, including organized assaults and increased military interference obstructing access to their lands.

According to the UN’s humanitarian office, OCHA, of the 71 documented settler attacks that occurred between October 7 and 13, half were linked to the olive harvest, affecting 27 villages.

In 2025 alone, over 3,200 injuries have been reported among Palestinians due to settler violence in the West Bank, with many incidents remaining unpunished. Only 3% of investigations of settler attacks from 2005 to 2023 resulted in convictions, according to the rights group Yesh Din.

This violence unfolds against the backdrop of shifting US policies on Israel, notably the cancellation of sanctions on Israeli settlers after President Trump took office.