EU condemns Israeli settler attack on diplomats in occupied West Bank
News Source
β’Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:10:05 +0000
π° What Happened
The European Union has condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy of European diplomats in the occupied West Bank. The statement came on Sunday, a day after the attack.
The diplomats were from France, Belgium and Poland, plus representatives of the Catholic Church. They were visiting the Christian village of Taybeh, east of Ramallah, to support Palestinian olive growers.
Masked men threatened the group and smashed a window of a Belgian diplomatic car. Bernard Baudoux, a 78-year-old French mayor, said he was kicked, beaten and thrown to the ground.
π The Backstory
The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner. For years it has criticised settlement building, but it has been slow to punish it. The 27 member states rarely agree on strong steps.
The attack came during the olive harvest, when violence against farmers usually rises. Journalists and foreign visitors who join the harvest have been attacked too.
The EU said it welcomed statements from Israeli officials who condemned the attack. But it said it expects Israel to act, not just to speak.
π― Why It Matters
It shows that even foreign officials are not safe in the West Bank. It could also push Europe to take a harder line on Israeli settlements.
The European Union has condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy of European diplomats in the occupied West Bank. The statement came on Sunday, a day after the attack.
The diplomats were from France, Belgium and Poland, plus representatives of the Catholic Church. They were visiting the Christian village of Taybeh, east of Ramallah, to support Palestinian olive growers.
Masked men threatened the group and smashed a window of a Belgian diplomatic car. Bernard Baudoux, a 78-year-old French mayor, said he was kicked, beaten and thrown to the ground.
The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner. For years it has criticised settlement building, but it has been slow to punish it. The 27 member states rarely agree on strong steps.
The attack came during the olive harvest, when violence against farmers usually rises. Journalists and foreign visitors who join the harvest have been attacked too.
The EU said it welcomed statements from Israeli officials who condemned the attack. But it said it expects Israel to act, not just to speak.
It shows that even foreign officials are not safe in the West Bank. It could also push Europe to take a harder line on Israeli settlements.