Netanyahu Vows “Iron Fist” Enforcement of Lebanon,Gaza Truces
Jerusalem – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated today that Israel will enforce any future truces in Lebanon and Gaza with an “iron fist,” signaling a firm stance against potential violations. The proclamation comes amid escalating tensions and recent violence in both regions.
Simultaneously occurring, the Foreign Press Association (FPA) in Jerusalem has condemned attacks by Israeli settlers against journalists in the West Bank, calling on Israeli authorities to end the violence ”immediately.” The FPA, representing hundreds of journalists including both Israeli and Palestinian members working for foreign media, expressed being “dismayed” by recent incidents, particularly during the olive harvest.
The association reported that two Reuters employees, clearly identified with “press” vests and helmets, were attacked on Saturday near the village of beita in the Israeli-occupied West Bank by masked israeli civilians wielding sticks and stones. According to the FPA, one journalist was severely beaten while on the ground.
An Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer witnessed injuries to journalists arriving at a hospital in Nablus, near Beita. The FPA stated that settlers also attacked those attempting to assist the injured Reuters journalist, and that a Reuters security guard and two independent Palestinian journalists were injured while being pursued.
On october 10th, an AFP photographer, jaafar Ashtiyeh, was beaten with sticks by settlers while documenting olive picking in the same area. Ashtiyeh, based in Nablus, stated, “In thirty years of career, this is the first time that I have faced violence of this kind,” and reported his car was set on fire, adding, ”If I hadn’t managed to escape, they would have killed me.”
The FPA also noted that Israeli forces ”regularly harass and intimidate journalists, sometimes detaining them and threatening them with expulsion,” and criticized “increasing hostilities towards the media on the part of the Israeli authorities.” They are urging the army and police to “ensure that journalists can work freely and safely.”
The Israeli army has not yet responded to the FPA’s accusations as of this report.
