Belgium Calls for EU Sanctions After Settlers Attack Diplomats
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Masked settlers reportedly attacked a Belgian diplomatic vehicle and Palestinian olive harvesters in the West Bank, prompting Belgium to call for EU sanctions. The Israeli military stated the diplomatic convoy was not coordinated with them. Israeli police have opened an investigation into the attack on the diplomats, while the military condemned the violence. The incidents occurred amidst ongoing friction during the olive harvest season, with other reports of violence against Palestinians and activists.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Belgium is calling for EU sanctions against those responsible for settler violence against diplomats and Palestinians.
- Masked settlers reportedly smashed the window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle near Taybeh.
- The Israeli military stated the diplomatic convoy was not coordinated with them.
- An investigation into the attack on the diplomats has been opened by Israeli police.
- The incidents occurred during the Palestinian olive harvest season, which has seen other clashes.
Belgium has called for European Union sanctions against those responsible for violence against Palestinians and diplomats in the West Bank, following an incident where masked settlers reportedly smashed the window of a Belgian diplomatic vehicle. The Israeli military stated that the diplomatic convoy was not coordinated with them and was sent to a reporting channel meant only for security forces, not civilians. The incident occurred near the Palestinian village of Taybeh in the Benjamin region, where Palestinian olive harvesters were also reportedly attacked.
Belgian representatives in the West Bank condemned the attack, stating that Israeli authorities must protect Palestinians and ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists. Belgium plans to continue pushing for EU sanctions against those involved in and supporting such violence, linking it to Israel's illegal settlement policy. The Belgian representative also condemned the expansion of settlements and the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The Israeli police have opened an investigation into the attack on the diplomats, with details forwarded to the Foreign Ministry. The military also condemned the violence, stating that Israeli police and forensic investigators entered the area under IDF protection to gather evidence. An initial military review indicated no IDF forces were present at the location during the attack, and the report was sent to a brigade command center for security personnel only.
Separately, a photographer for The Washington Post, Heidi Levine, was injured during an olive harvest near Taybeh the previous day. In other incidents, Palestinians reported clashes with right-wing activists in the southern Hebron Hills, including the alleged theft of sheep, and attacks on farmers near Ramallah, with claims of gunfire and vandalism to vehicles. The military confirmed intervening in a friction incident near Carmel following reports of stolen sheep, firing into the air to disperse the crowd and opening an investigation.
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