Top US diplomat Marco Rubio has voiced deep concern following a violent assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine in the West Bank. The incident occurred Friday as dozens of masked Israeli settlers targeted Palestinians participating in their traditional olive harvest in the village of Abu Falah. Armed with rocks and gas canisters, the attackers burned trees and assaulted those present, leaving multiple people injured. Levine, who was clearly identified as press, was knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked by attackers before colleagues managed to intervene and pull her to safety.

Levine is currently in stable condition, though she sustained significant injuries including a broken rib, severe lacerations, and a hand wound that will require surgery. She credits her protective gear with saving her life during the brutal encounter. Following the attack, the Washington Post has formally demanded a thorough investigation, expressing outrage over the targeting of a journalist performing her professional duties. In response, the US State Department has issued a condemnation of the violence, affirming that they are in contact with the newspaper to provide necessary consular assistance while pushing for accountability for those responsible.