EU strongly condemns West Bank settler attacks on Palestinians, European diplomats

Anger was mounting on Sunday over violent attacks on European diplomats and a U.S. journalist in the West Bank. European diplomats from France, Belgium, and Poland were among those targeted by masked settlers near the village of Taybeh on Saturday. The day prior, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine endured severe injuries when she was assaulted by Israeli settlers.

The European Union demanded "effective measures" from Israel to curb the unrest on Sunday. Poland's Foreign Ministry stated that the Taybeh attack, which targeted a Christian village, exemplified the daily hardships faced by Palestinians in the West Bank. "The attack should be met with a firm response from the Israeli authorities," the Polish government declared.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called for arrests and prosecution of those responsible for the journalist's attack, labeling it a "despicable act of terror." Levine, a U.S. citizen and clear journalist, was reportedly attacked while dozens of masked settlers set fire to shrubs and hurled rocks at Palestinian olive harvesters. She sustained multiple injuries, with photos showing her lying on a trolley with wounds on her leg and knee.

The Washington Post praised the U.S. ambassador's support for Levine's well-being, emphasizing the importance of press freedoms as a cornerstone of democracies. The attack coincided with growing international concern over heightened Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. European diplomats and a French mayor faced similar assaults by masked individuals on Saturday, with Belgium expressing strong criticism and urging Israel to hold perpetrators accountable.

Polish diplomats in the convoy returned unharmed, with the ministry calling for a thorough investigation and accountability. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the assault on the French mayor and mayor of his town, urging Israel to cease the violence. Israeli President Isaac Herzog personally apologized to Levine and demanded an investigation.

The Israeli military condemned the violence, stating it would be thoroughly investigated. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the circumstances remained unclear, noting that the diplomats' visit had not been coordinated with Israeli security officials. In recent months, Britain, France, Canada, and other nations imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settlements, while the U.S. affirmed it would not participate in those measures.