Masked settlers attack European diplomats in occupied West Bank

Masked settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank village of Taybeh during the olive harvest, Belgium’s foreign minister said, in a striking escalation of violence that has marred the harvest season. The group included Belgium’s consul general, French and Polish diplomats and Catholic representatives; a French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle damaged. Activists and the Palestinian health ministry report at least four killed and more than 100 injured since the harvest began, with assaults ranging from slingshots to firearms and other weapons. A Washington Post photographer was seriously injured in a separate Friday attack, and critics say Israeli authorities frequently fail to prevent or punish settler violence against Palestinians and international visitors.

Belgium’s foreign minister linked the assault to Israel’s settlement policy and called for stronger EU sanctions, stressing that Israel, as the occupying power, must protect civilians and end settler impunity. Israeli military officials described the diplomats’ attack as a severe act of violence but said the visit had not been coordinated with forces and that no soldiers were present; police opened an investigation. Israel’s foreign minister condemned the rioting and reported contact with affected embassies. The incidents come weeks before tightly contested elections that could unseat Benjamin Netanyahu, whose nationalist government faces both domestic criticism over security failings and international scrutiny over policies in the West Bank and Gaza.