EU diplomats report israeli settlers' attack in West Bank; drones downed near riyadh

Diplomats targeted in Taybeh

Witnesses said vehicles from the French, Belgian and Polish embassies brought diplomats to Taybeh, a predominantly Christian village in the occupied West Bank. The visit took place as Palestinians sought to gather olives.

Prevot said masked settlers attacked Palestinians, Catholic representatives and Western diplomats and officials. He identified the Belgian consul general, French and Polish diplomats, and a French mayor among those targeted. A Belgian vehicle was damaged.

Witnesses describe the assault

According to witnesses, settlers arrived to stop Palestinians from collecting olives. Masked men reportedly surrounded a diplomatic vehicle with off-road vehicles, demanded identification and broke a window. A witness and two diplomats told AFP that Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, was beaten. Baudoux said he had minor injuries and was otherwise fine, while expressing concern for local residents.

Officials respond to incident

Belgium and France condemned the attack. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Israeli authorities to arrest those responsible for the assault on Baudoux, and called for an end to violence and protection for civilians under international law.

Israeli police said an investigation into the alleged assault was under way. The military said the visit had not been coordinated with it and that no soldiers were present.