Full Breakdown
NBC News Team Attacked by Masked Israeli Settlers in West Bank
8/31/2026, 2:26:23 AM
The Attack in Jalud
On August 29, 2026, four members of an NBC News crew were interviewing 51-year-old Aida Ahmed Abdullah and her family in the Palestinian town of Jalud, near Nablus, when a gray car bearing Israeli licence plates reversed up the hill toward them. At least four men in dark clothing with their faces covered leapt from the vehicle, striking the journalists and Abdullah with sticks and throwing rocks. Matt Bradley, NBC’s international correspondent, was hit twice in the arm; producer Lawahez Jabari, cameraman Khaldoon Eid, and driver were also injured. Abdullah was taken to a Red Crescent clinic with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident was captured on video and later released by NBC.
Background & Context
The assault occurred amid a surge of settler-related violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Earlier in the month, settlers had blocked supplies to Palestinian homes on the outskirts of Jalud, prompting criticism from the U.S. ambassador. In nearby Qusra, masked settlers sprayed pepper spray at Palestinian workers and threw rocks at a building. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that, up to July 24, Israeli forces or settlers had killed 76 Palestinians and 3 Israelis in the West Bank.
Key Figures & Groups
- Aida Ahmed Abdullah – Palestinian resident of Jalud, interview subject.
- Matt Bradley – NBC News international correspondent, injured journalist.
- Lawahez Jabari – NBC producer, injured journalist.
- Khaldoon Eid – NBC cameraman, injured journalist.
- Mahmoud Toubasi – Abdullah’s husband, reported on her condition.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister of Israel, issued condemnation.
- Israeli security forces – IDF soldiers and Border Police responding to the incident.
- Israel Press Council – Media watchdog calling for accountability.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
They added that IDF soldiers and Border Police continue to operate in Qusra and Jalud to prevent further disturbances and restore order.
The Israel Press Council issued a press release demanding that security forces locate the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to trial, emphasizing the need for greater protection of journalists in the West Bank.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They jumped out, beat us, then jumped back in the car,” — NBC News
- “They smashed our car windshield, hit our crew with clubs and beat Aida unconscious,” — Matt Bradley, news international correspondent