Israeli settlers attack Palestinians, European diplomats in West Bank, Belgium says

Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats and assaulted the mayor of a French town in the West Bank, according to eyewitnesses and diplomats. The attack occurred while diplomats were touring the occupied West Bank to visit the predominantly Christian town of Taybeh. Masked settlers made hostile remarks toward the diplomats before kicking Bernard Boudot, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnay-Émerainville, France.

Two diplomats and a local resident confirmed the mayor's identity, stating he was injured but not hospitalized. The West Bank has seen a surge in violence in recent months, with Israeli settlers targeting Palestinians and seizing olive groves. The United States condemned the criminal violence in the occupied West Bank, although it did not directly reference the assault on the American photojournalist.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist attack, describing it as organized settler terrorism targeting Palestinians, their land, and property. They called on the Israeli government to end settler violence and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasizing that condemnation alone is no longer sufficient.