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.

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.

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.

Mr Prevot posted on X: "Harvesting olives, reporting the news or carrying out diplomatic duties should never put anyone at risk of attack.

"As the occupying power, Israeli authorities must ‌protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity for violent settlers must end."

He added that Belgium would continue to push for EU sanctions against settlers responsible for the violence.

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".

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar confirmed that a police investigation has been opened and called the attackers "rioters" on X.

He said it was "unfortunate that the visit was not coordinated with the IDF in advance".

Palestinian ‌vice president Hussein al-Sheikh said its citizens were subjected to "daily terrorism" and called for a "firm international stance".

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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.

The attacks have risen sharply in recent years and also affected journalists, activists and foreign observers.

On Friday, Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine was ⁠hospitalised after being assaulted by masked settlers who targeted Palestinians harvesting olives in the West Bank.

(c) Sky News 2026: Israeli settlers attack European diplomats and French mayor in West Bank, Belgium says