A European Union diplomatic delegation was attacked by a group of Jewish settlers while traveling in the West Bank. European officials have demanded the arrest of those responsible, while Israeli leaders claim it may be a false accusation.
Foreign news agencies reported on 17 Oct 2026 that a delegation from Belgium, France, Poland, and a representative of the Catholic Church was assaulted by masked extremist Jewish settlers during a visit to the Taybeh village near Ramallah in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The delegation traveled to assess the situation following frequent attacks by Jewish settlers on Palestinians attempting to harvest their own olives almost daily.
Reports state that the window of the Belgian consulate vehicle was smashed with a stone, while Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Olonne-sur-Mer in France, was kicked, struck with an iron rod, and pushed to the ground, sustaining injuries.
Just one day prior, Hedi Levine, a Washington Post photographer, along with several Palestinians, were also attacked by Jewish settlers in another village.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevot condemned the violent attack and stated that Israel must take responsibility for bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Palestinians face this violence daily. Jewish groups are also targeting journalists covering the events and diplomatic delegations. Harvesting olives, reporting news, or carrying out diplomatic duties should not put anyone at risk of assault,” he said.
“As the occupying power holding authority, Israeli authorities must protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and punish those responsible under the law,” Prevot added, noting Belgium will continue pushing the European Union to impose sanctions on those responsible and their supporters.
Meanwhile, Bernard Baudoux, the injured French mayor, said the violence was senseless and reflected the Israeli right-wing government's neglect of settler violence, emphasizing that Palestinians in the area suffer the most losses.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially condemned the violence by Jewish rioters, stated they are investigating, and clarified that no IDF soldiers were present at the scene during the clashes.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gidéon Saar also condemned the attack, saying he is coordinating with ambassadors of the involved countries but criticized that the delegation did not coordinate their travel with the IDF in advance, which could have improved security arrangements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed doubts and cautioned against drawing conclusions from social media images, saying police are investigating the facts and suggesting the reports may be part of a "campaign to defame Israel" and Jews in the West Bank.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc