A Washington Post journalist has been attacked by Israeli settlers while reporting in the West Bank, despite wearing clothes marking her job, Executive Editor of the newspaper Matt Murray said on Friday.

"This morning, a Washington Post photographer, Heidi Levine, was attacked by Israeli settlers while reporting in the West Bank. She was wearing visible markings clearly identifying her as a journalist," Murray said in a statement.

Levine is now safe, she has received the necessary medical aide, he noted.

However, The Washington Post is "outraged" by the incident and demands a thorough investigation and clarifications from authorities, Murray added.

Reacting to the incident, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the United Nations views the attack as another instance of journalists' rights to exercise their profession being violated.

 "We want to make sure that this will be investigated thoroughly, and that all further harassment of journalists are prevented," Haq told a press briefing.

At the same time, the Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the circumstances behind the incident remain murky and are being probed by authorities. Nonetheless, the office noted that Israel condemns violence against all regardless of faith or profession and vowed to hold those responsible to account.

@Sputnik