Two Israeli journalists attacked by Palestinian mob near Ramallah

The journalists were covering riots outside Ofer Prison when they were attacked by masked Palestinian protesters.

By YAAKOV LAPPIN, JPOST.COM STAFF
Palestinian protesters wave flags as Israeli policemen guard nearby during a demonstration marking Nakba Day. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Palestinian protesters wave flags as Israeli policemen guard nearby during a demonstration marking Nakba Day.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Two Israeli journalists covering Palestinian riots in Beitunua, near Ramallah, were attacked by masked Palestinian rioters on Friday.
The journalists, Walla Arab affairs analyst Avi Issacharoff and a cameraman, were attacked after a Palestinian woman claiming to be a journalist set the rioters on them, Issacharoff told Channel 10 News on Friday evening.
Issacharoff tweeted after the assault: “Was attacked and beaten by Palestinian mob. Near Ramallah. Just because I’m an Israeli journalist.”

The two were beaten by masked men and suffered bruising before being evacuated from the area by plainclothes Palestinian Authority security officers, who then transferred them to the custody of the IDF’s Civil Administration for Judea and Samaria.
The journalists were covering riots outside of Ofer Prison as mourners in Ramallah held funerals for two Palestinian youths killed on Thursday during attacks on security forces, in which Palestinians threw fire bombs and rocks, and soldiers responded with rubber bullets.
Issacharoff tweeted before the attack that there were about 100 protesters in the area and that tear gas was being used by security forces to disperse the crowd.
The two 17-year-old boys were fatally shot when scores of Palestinian demonstrators attacked soldiers with stones at a protest near the prison, located between Ramallah and the Givat Ze’ev settlement.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Association condemned the attack on the Israelis.
Also on Friday, Muslims hurled stones at Israeli police on the Temple Mount following weekly morning prayers.
No injuries or damage were reported.
Police said six Arab youths were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the incident.
Authorities said order was subsequently restored in the compound.
Khaled Abu Toameh contributed to this report.