Washington, Oct 18 (V7N)- The United States has urged the Israeli government to take stronger measures to prevent attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday.
According to Reuters, Rubio said Washington was deeply concerned about the attacks and recent developments in the territory. He added that the United States had repeatedly called on Israel to take firm action to stop such incidents.
Rubio's remarks followed the circulation of a video showing American photojournalist Heidi Levine being attacked by several people in the West Bank. Levine was among at least two people injured in the incident on Friday, when Israeli settlers allegedly attacked Palestinian civilians.
Belgium's foreign minister also said that a French mayor and European diplomats had been attacked in the occupied territory.
Rubio said the US State Department was investigating the incident, including the attack on Levine. Speaking to reporters before boarding a plane to Uzbekistan, he said he expected to receive further information from the US Embassy in Jerusalem by Sunday.
The incidents come amid growing concerns over settler violence during the annual Palestinian olive harvest season.
According to Israeli settlement watchdog Yesh Din, Israeli settlers have carried out at least 170 attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank since September 27, when the olive harvest season began.
The latest reports have renewed calls for stronger measures to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure the safety of journalists and foreign officials operating in the occupied territory.
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