Masked Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank

Masked Israeli settlers attacked a delegation of European diplomats on Saturday in the village of Taybeh, located five kilometres northeast of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. The BBC, Euronews, Al Jazeera, and Al-Monitor all reported that the diplomatic convoy came under attack while visiting Palestinian olive harvesters. Belgium's foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, stated that the targeted group included the Belgian consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and Catholic representatives. [1][2][3][7]

During the assault, a 78-year-old French mayor was beaten and a Belgian vehicle was damaged, according to Euronews, France 24, and the South China Morning Post. Minister Prevot confirmed that the diplomatic team was safe and called for Israel to bring those responsible to justice. Belgium condemned the violence and pledged to push for further European Union sanctions, citing Israel's settlement policy. [1][2][4][5][6]

The incident follows violence a day earlier when several Palestinians and an American photojournalist were injured in a separate assault by settlers, according to the BBC, Al Jazeera, and Al-Monitor. The Washington Post photographer was identified as Heidi Levine. The Israel Defense Forces condemned the attack on the diplomatic convoy as a severe act of violence and stated that an investigation is underway. [1][3][7]

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast doubt on the events, suggesting the reported assault was part of a coordinated campaign to smear Israel. The West Bank is a landlocked territory bordered by Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Israel, which has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. [1][6][12][15]