World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Settlers attack European diplomats and French mayor in West Bank
Settlers attacked a European diplomatic convoy visiting Taybeh, a largely Christian village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, on Saturday.
The delegation included French, Belgian and Polish diplomats, and French mayor Bernard Baudoux, 78, who witnesses say was beaten.
The visit took place during the Palestinian olive harvest, when settlers have tried to stop Palestinians from gathering their crops.
Witnesses said masked settlers confronted the delegation and a Belgian vehicle was damaged.
Belgium condemned the attack and said it would press for sanctions against those responsible and people who support them.
Israel’s foreign minister also condemned the violence, while criticising the delegation for not coordinating its visit with the military.
Israeli police have launched an investigation and said they are working to identify suspects and bring them to justice.
Masked Israeli settlers attacked a convoy of European diplomats visiting Taybeh in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, witnesses and officials said.
The attackers beat Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France.
The delegation included French, Belgian and Polish diplomats, and a Belgian vehicle was damaged.
Witnesses said the settlers came to stop Palestinians from gathering olives.
Israeli police said they had opened an investigation, and Israel’s foreign minister condemned the violence.
- Who
- Masked Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats and French mayor Bernard Baudoux.
- What
- The settlers attacked a diplomatic convoy and beat Baudoux. A Belgian vehicle was damaged.
- When
- Saturday, October 17, 2026.
- Where
- Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank.
- Why
- Witnesses said the settlers came to stop Palestinians from gathering olives.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Settlers beat up an Agence France-Presse photographer, according to Le Monde.
Settlers seriously injured a Washington Post photographer covering the olive harvest, according to Le Monde.
Settlers attacked a European diplomatic convoy in Taybeh and beat French mayor Bernard Baudoux.
Israeli police said they had launched an investigation into the attack.
- Location
- Taybeh, occupied West Bank
- French mayor
- Bernard Baudoux, 78, of Aulnoye-Aymeries
- Delegation
- French, Belgian and Polish diplomats
- Damaged vehicle
- A Belgian vehicle
- Investigation
- Israeli police said they had launched a probe
5 sources
Un maire français roué de coups : en Cisjordanie, des colons israéliens attaquent un convoi diplomatique européen
Israeli settlers attack European diplomatic cars in West Bank and beat French mayor, say witnesses
West Bank settlers attack Palestinians, Western diplomats, Belgium says
European diplomats attacked amid settler raids on West Bank olive harvest
Israeli settlers attack European delegation convoy in West Bank, beat French mayor
What people are saying
Impunity for violent settlers must end.
Harvesting olives, reporting the news or carrying out diplomatic duties should never put anyone at risk of attack.
I strongly condemn the severe acts of violence by Israeli rioters.