Israeli settlers attack European diplomats and French mayor in West Bank, Belgium says
Israeli settlers have allegedly attacked Palestinian civilians, European diplomats and a French mayor in the West Bank, sparking international condemnation. <p>Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prevot said the country's consul general to the Palestinians, French and Polish diplomats, and Catholic representatives were targeted by the masked settlers along with a Belgian vehicle in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh.</p><p>Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, said he was "thrown to the ground" near the village while harvesting olives in solidarity with the local community.</p><p>Mr Prevot posted on X: "Harvesting olives, reporting the news or carrying out diplomatic duties should never put anyone at risk of attack.</p><widget id="3"></widget><p>"As the occupying power, <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/israel-5981/1">Israeli</a></strong> authorities must protect <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/palestine-11758/1">Palestinians</a></strong>, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity for violent settlers must end."</p><p>He added that Belgium would continue to push for EU sanctions against settlers responsible for the violence.</p><p>Polish foreign ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewior posted on X that a convoy carrying diplomats had been targeted - saying that "attacks on members of the diplomatic corps are absolutely unacceptable".</p> <widget id="4"></widget> <widget id="1"></widget><p>Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar confirmed that a police investigation has been opened and called the attackers "rioters" on X.</p><p>He said it was "unfortunate that the visit was not coordinated with the IDF in advance".</p><p>Palestinian vice president Hussein al-Sheikh said its citizens were subjected to "daily terrorism" and called for a "firm international stance".</p><p><strong>More from Sky News:</strong><br /><strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/pope-leo-to-leave-hospital-today-after-lung-cancer-surgery-the-vatican-says-13600129">Pope Leo leaves hospital after lung cancer surgery</a></strong><br /><strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/two-dead-after-light-aircraft-crash-13600111">Two dead after light aircraft crash</a></strong></p><p>Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have previously claimed that settler violence is carried out by a small minority - which is disputed by Palestinians and human rights groups.</p><p>The attacks have risen sharply in recent years and also affected journalists, activists and foreign observers.</p><p>On Friday, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was hospitalised after being assaulted by masked settlers who targeted Palestinians harvesting olives in the <strong><a href="https://news.sky.com/topic/west-bank-6189/1">West Bank</a></strong>.</p>