Israeli settlers wearing masks attacked vehicles carrying European diplomats in Taybeh, located east of Ramallah in the West Bank. This incident occurred on Saturday and, according to the official Palestinian news agency, happened as the diplomats were leaving the village. Local sources reported that these armed settlers attacked the delegations with sticks, broke the windows of the vehicle belonging to the Belgian consulate, and demanded that passengers and diplomats show their identification cards.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
Videos released from the incident show that one of the consuls fell to the ground. Maxim Prevot, the Belgian Foreign Minister, condemned the attack "strongly" and stated that the targets of this attack included Palestinians, the Belgian consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and representatives of the Catholic Church. He also noted that one of the mayors from a Belgian municipality was attacked and a Belgian vehicle was damaged. Prevot emphasized that his country's team is safe.
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Everyday Challenges for Palestinians and Diplomats
Prevot stated that Palestinians face such violence every day, and settlers also attack journalists and diplomats who report on these acts of violence. He asserted: "No one should be in danger for olive picking, reporting news, or carrying out a diplomatic mission." He also emphasized that Israeli officials are obliged to protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and hold accountable those responsible for these attacks. He stressed the need to end impunity for violent settlers.
Prevot also announced that Belgium will seek to impose sanctions from the European Union (EU) against those responsible for these acts of violence and the institutions that support them. He added that these acts of violence cannot be separated from Israel's "illegal" settlement policies and expressed concern over the expansion of settlements and the forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands. The Belgian minister called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.
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