Masked Israeli settlers are accused of attacking Palestinians and a convoy of European diplomats near the West Bank village of Taybeh, damaging a Belgian vehicle and injuring individuals including a visiting French mayor. Local reports say the incident happened as Palestinians harvest olives, and that masked settlers confronted people during the olive-picking period.
Belgium’s foreign minister, Maxime Prevot, says the delegation included Belgium’s consul general and diplomats from France and Poland, as well as Catholic representatives. Multiple outlets report Belgium condemns the attack and says it will press for EU sanctions against those responsible. Reports also say Belgian officials and other diplomats were targeted during the incident.
While Belgium condemns the violence and links it to attacks on those carrying out diplomatic and civic activities, Israeli officials dispute aspects of the circumstances. One report cites Israel’s foreign minister calling the attackers “rioters” and says Israel faults the diplomats for not coordinating their visit with the Israeli military. Israeli police say they are investigating the alleged assault.
