Belgium's foreign minister says masked settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank attacked Palestinians, Catholic representatives and Western diplomats, damaging a Belgian vehicle in the process.
The attacks include a day after settlers beat an American photojournalist, with Belgian consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and a French mayor among those targeted. Belgian foreign minister Maxime Prevot condemned the violence, calling for justice and safety for Palestinians and diplomats.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the attacks, suggesting diplomats should have coordinated their visit with the Israeli military. Belgium plans to push for EU sanctions against those responsible for the violence.
Palestinian officials and human rights groups dispute Israeli claims that settler violence is a small minority, noting the rise in attacks on Palestinians and journalists in the West Bank over the past three years.