A European diplomatic delegation visiting the occupied West Bank town of Taybeh was attacked by illegal Israeli settlers on Saturday, leaving several Palestinian residents injured and a vehicle belonging to the Belgian delegation damaged, according to Taybeh Mayor Suleiman Khourieh.
The incident followed an official ceremony marking a twinning agreement between Taybeh and the French town of Saint-Pierre. The event was attended by French and Belgian consuls, a Polish representative and Saint-Pierre Mayor Christian Ravain.
Khourieh told Anadolu that the delegation was targeted in the western part of Taybeh, alongside Palestinians gathering olives.
Footage reported by Israeli media showed a member of the delegation lying on the ground beside a diplomatic vehicle.
Israeli Army Radio, citing witnesses and video footage, reported that attackers threw stones at one of the diplomatic vehicles, smashing a window.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 identified the person on the ground as Bernard Boudoux, a French politician and mayor of Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes in northern France.
No arrest has been made
Channel 12, citing the Israeli military, reported that the incident was under review and that no arrests had been made immediately.
Khourieh condemned the attack as “a flagrant violation of the sanctity of diplomatic and humanitarian work”. He also linked the incident to wider restrictions affecting Palestinian farmers.
The delegation’s visit had centred on strengthening ties between Taybeh and Saint-Pierre, but the attack by the illegal Israeli settlers disrupted the occasion and left residents injured, according to the mayor.
Olive harvest brings renewed concerns for Palestinian farmers
The incident comes amid reports of increased attacks by illegal Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their land during the olive harvest, which began in early October.
Olive farming provides a crucial source of income for thousands of Palestinian families, making access to groves and the safety of farmers particularly important during the harvest season.
The attack on the delegation and Palestinians picking olives has renewed concerns over security for residents, agricultural workers and visiting officials in the occupied West Bank.
