EU condemns Israeli settler attack on diplomats in occupied West Bank

The European Union has condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on a convoy carrying European diplomats in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera English. The 27-member bloc issued its statement on Sunday, the day after masked settlers attacked a visiting delegation near the Palestinian village of Taybeh. The assault has intensified diplomatic pressure on Israel as attacks on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest increasingly threaten journalists and foreign visitors accompanying them.

The attack on the Palestinian farmers and the European diplomats was followed by another outbreak of settler violence, according to The Guardian — World. A French mayor, Bernard Baudoux, was assaulted and knocked to the ground while attempting to enter a vehicle with diplomatic plates. A masked militant shouted “Vive la France!” as he launched the attack, a witness said.

The European Union has called for action to stop the pogroms and for Israel to respect international law and stop expanding settlements in the occupied territory, according to Al Jazeera English. The EU also welcomed statements by Israeli officials condemning the attacks but expected “full accountability” and measures to prevent further violence against Palestinians and journalists.

The US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, has denounced the settler attack that left the Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine badly beaten and needing surgery, according to The Guardian — World. Huckabee called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible and described the attack as a “despicable act of terror” and a “vicious and cowardly attack”.