Masked settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank village

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed Saturday that masked Israeli settlers attacked a diplomatic convoy in Taybeh, a village northeast of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Those targeted included Belgium's consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and Catholic representatives. A French mayor was assaulted and a Belgian vehicle damaged. No members of the group were killed.

Israel's military described the attack as a "severe act of violence" and noted the visit had not been coordinated with its forces. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the incident and said his ministry had contacted ambassadors from the affected countries. Israeli police said investigations were underway.

Prevot linked the attack to what he called Israel's "illegal settlement policy" and said he would push for further EU sanctions. The assault followed a day of settler attacks on at least eight Palestinian villages in the northern West Bank.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least four people killed and more than 100 injured since the annual olive harvest began. The harvest period is consistently marked by elevated settler violence as farmers access land.