noradeen_yahya on Instagram: "In a harrowing incident during the first day of olive harvest on October 19, 2025, American journalist Jasper Nathaniel was documen…"
In a harrowing incident during the first day of olive harvest on October 19, 2025, American journalist Jasper Nathaniel was documenting Palestinian farmers in the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya when a mob of over 100 masked Israeli settlers launched a brutal ambush. Armed with clubs and stones, the settlers attacked unarmed olive pickers, beating an elderly woman unconscious—leaving her with a brain haemorrhage requiring ICU care—and setting vehicles ablaze. Nathaniel, who captured the violence on video, was himself pursued by the mob in a terrifying chase, forcing him to flee for his life.Nathaniel’s footage reveals the chilling sequence: IDF soldiers appeared to escort the group into the olive fields, only to speed away moments before the settlers emerged from hiding, hurling rocks and wielding weapons. His car was later torched, and despite reaching out to the US Embassy for protection, he was told they could not help. This comes amid a surge in settler violence during olive season, with UN condemnation highlighting the failure to hold perpetrators accountable.In his latest video statement today, October 20, Nathaniel confronted the very IDF soldier who offered him “safe passage” before the attack, sharing unedited footage of the exchange. He recounted the soldiers’ excuses—claiming it was an “honest mistake,” that protecting civilians isn’t their “mission,” and even labelling him a “propagandist.” Nathaniel offered them a chance to speak directly to his audience but was declined. “Whatever the case, it is clear that the footage has caused some problems for them, and they would very much like to change the narrative,” he said, underscoring the power of on-the-ground reporting to demand accountability.Nathaniel’s courage exposes the unchecked terror faced by Palestinians and journalists alike. As he put it in the immediate aftermath: “I want to be very clear: The IDF lured me and the Palestinian farmers directly into this ambush and then sped off. The US Embassy told me that they cannot protect me.” We must amplify these voices—before more lives are lost.#JasperNathaniel #SettlerViolence #TurmusAyya #WestBank #FreePalestine
