Diplomats Attacked by Settlers During West Bank Visit

On Saturday, a diplomatic delegation from France, Belgium, and Poland was attacked by Israeli settlers while visiting the town of Taybeh in the central occupied West Bank. The delegation, which included representatives from the French and Belgian consulates and the Polish representative to the Palestinian Authority, was participating in an event related to a twinning agreement between Taybeh and a French city. After the event, the delegation assisted local farmers with the olive harvest west of the town, when the attack occurred.

The settlers, approximately ten in number, assaulted the delegation and local residents, smashing the windows of the Belgian consulate vehicle. Two Palestinians were injured in the attack, while the diplomats managed to withdraw without any injuries. The settlers, riding on tractors, came from nearby settlement outposts and also targeted the mayor's car as the group attempted to leave the area. The mayor of Taybeh, Suleiman Khoury, confirmed that the attack took place in an area considered safe by the Palestinian side.

Bernard Baudoux, the mayor of the northern French town of Aulnoye-Aymeries, who was part of the delegation, stated that the incident indicated a tolerance by Israel's right-wing government for settler violence. Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing that diplomatic duties should not put anyone at risk. Prevot also stated that Belgium will continue to press for sanctions against those responsible for the violence and their supporters.

Israel's army condemned the incident, describing it as a 'serious incident of violence.'

**Context**: This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violence in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers often clash with Palestinian residents and international visitors. The attack on diplomats underscores the volatile nature of the region and the challenges faced by those involved in diplomatic and humanitarian efforts. The response from Belgian authorities indicates a broader international concern over settler violence and the need for accountability and sanctions against perpetrators.