Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats and a French mayor in the West Bank, with masked attackers targeting diplomats, journalists, and Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. The incident follows a day of violence against a US photojournalist and highlights ongoing tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
The attack involved masked settlers who confronted a diplomatic convoy near the Christian village of Taybeh, where a French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian consulate vehicle was damaged. Video footage showed settlers throwing stones and attacking Palestinians, with the French mayor wearing a tricolor sash and suffering injuries.
Israeli authorities condemned the violence, with the foreign ministry calling the attackers 'Israeli rioters' and the prime minister suggesting the incident was part of a 'coordinated campaign to smear Israel.' Belgium called for EU sanctions against those responsible, while the UN and international community warn of the violence against Palestinians and journalists.
Israeli police have opened an investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made. Settler violence in the West Bank has surged over the past three years, with reports of attacks on Palestinians, journalists, and diplomats, raising concerns about impunity and the role of Israeli authorities in safeguarding safety.