EU condemns Israeli settler attack on diplomats in occupied West Bank

The European Union has strongly condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy with European diplomats in the occupied West Bank, calling for an end to the escalating violence. On Sunday, the 27-member bloc released a statement following a masked settler assault on a visiting delegation near the Palestinian village of Taybeh.

This attack has heightened diplomatic pressure on Israel, as assaults on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest are increasingly endangering journalists and foreign visitors who accompany them. Diplomats from France, Belgium, Poland, and representatives of the Catholic Church were in the predominantly Christian village east of Ramallah to offer support for Palestinian olive growers when the masked men attacked them.

They threatened the delegation members and smashed a window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, recounted being kicked, beaten, and thrown to the ground despite wearing his ceremonial sash as a French official. The EU expressed appreciation for Israeli officials' condemnation of the attacks but stressed the need for "full accountability" and measures to prevent further violence against Palestinians and journalists.

Additionally, the EU urged Israel to adhere to international law and cease expanding settlements in the occupied territory. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Israel to arrest those responsible and protect civilians, while Belgium's personnel were reported to be safe, though their vehicle suffered damage. Poland's Foreign Ministry confirmed that its diplomats remained unharmed and stated there was no indication of targeted attacks.