Settlers Attack European Delegation Near Ramallah, Kick French Mayor
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Settlers attacked a European diplomatic delegation, including a French mayor, in the Palestinian village of Taybeh on October 17, 2026, during an olive harvest event. The attackers kicked the French mayor and chanted "Long live France." The incident drew international condemnation, with the U.S., France, and Belgium calling for action and accountability. Israel's Prime Minister's office questioned the event's details and noted a lack of coordination with the IDF, while police launched an investigation.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Settlers attacked a European delegation in Taybeh on October 17, 2026, kicking a French mayor and chanting "Long live France."
- The delegation was in the Palestinian village to show solidarity during the olive harvest season.
- A Belgian consulate vehicle was also damaged during the assault.
- The attack was described as unusually violent and possibly organized.
- The U.S., France, and Belgium condemned the attack and demanded accountability.
- Israel's Prime Minister's office questioned the event's details and noted a lack of coordination with the IDF.
- Israeli police have opened an investigation into the incident.
Settlers attacked a European diplomatic delegation in the Palestinian village of Taybeh, east of Ramallah, on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2026. The delegation, which included a French mayor, was in the village to participate in an olive harvest event.
According to a participating European diplomat, seven masked settlers descended from the hills carrying clubs and metal tools. They surrounded and attacked the delegation's vehicles, with one attacker kicking the French mayor in the head after he was assaulted. The settlers also chanted "Long live France." A vehicle belonging to the Belgian consulate was also damaged, with one of its windows shattered.
Taybeh is described as the last exclusively Christian village in the West Bank. The delegation's visit was intended to show solidarity with the residents during the olive harvest season.
The diplomat characterized the attack as more violent than previous incidents and suggested it might have been an organized operation intended to send a message to Europeans. The assault drew international condemnation, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on Israel to take firm action against settler violence. France and Belgium demanded accountability for those responsible.
In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu questioned the ability to determine the sequence of events and responsibilities based on published images. They noted the visit occurred without prior coordination with the Israeli military. The Israeli police have opened an investigation into the incident.
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