Palestinian from L’Espresso cover speaks out

MEE spoke to Palestinian lawyer Meead Abu al-Rub about the widely circulated L'Espresso magazine cover that has brought her international attention after she was filmed being harassed by Israeli settlers during an olive harvest in October 2025. The 35-year-old Palestinian, who works with the Wall and Settlement Authority, said she was documenting a peaceful land-related activity in the Soba area of Idna al-Khalil when the situation escalated, with settlers and Israeli forces moving in to intimidate participants and force the event to stop. Abu Al-Rub armed settlers and soldiers confronted the group within minutes, describing threats, intimidation and the use of tear gas that led organisers and landowners to withdraw for safety reasons. Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @middleeasteye   Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net Follow us on TikTok:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Instagram:   / middleeasteye   Like us on Facebook:   / middleeasteye   Follow us on Twitter:   / middleeasteye