Masked Israeli settlers assaulted an NBC News crew in the West Bank on Saturday, smashing a vehicle windshield and striking reporters with clubs.
Attack Details
The crew was interviewing Palestinian woman Aida Ahmed Abdullah and her family when a gray car bearing Israeli license plates pulled up.
Video released by NBC showed a group of masked men exiting the vehicle and attacking the journalists with sticks.
International correspondent Matt Bradley reported he was struck twice on the arm but said he was recovering well.
Casualties and Aftermath
Abdullah was hospitalized with non‑life‑threatening injuries, and two NBC News staff members received treatment for injuries sustained during the assault.
Producer Lawahez Jabari said the attackers wielded sticks and brandished a gun without firing it.
Cameraman Khaldoon Eid, a local resident, described being stunned by the violence.
Official Responses
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, calling the attackers a “handful of rioters” whose actions harmed Israel’s global standing, according to Haaretz.
Doron Spielman, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office, labeled the attack a “grave injustice” and pledged that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Spielman added that the settlers’ actions violated the law, endangered Jews and Arabs, and interfered with Israeli security forces.
Context
Human rights groups say settlers began encircling homes in Qusra on Aug. 9, attempting to seize privately owned Palestinian land, and have been observed moving freely in view of soldiers who have not enforced a ban on Israeli entry.
NBC News declined to provide immediate comment when asked for further details.
Brian Flood, media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital, can be reached at brian.flood@fox.com and on Twitter @briansflood.
