WEST BANK, PALESTINE — Israeli settlers have reportedly attacked a convoy carrying European diplomats and assaulted Bernard Baudoux, the 78-year-old mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in northern France, during a visit to Palestinian olive farmers in Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as Baudoux joined Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest alongside European representatives, including senior French and Belgian officials and Polish diplomats.
According to AFP, Baudoux alleged that masked settlers shouted insults against France, kicked him and struck him with iron bars. He was later seen collapsed beside a vehicle but did not require hospital treatment.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called on Israel to urgently stop the violence and arrest those responsible for the attack. Belgium also issued a similar call for accountability.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, while Israeli police promised to investigate the incident.
The assault came a day after American photographer Heidi Levine of The Washington Post was reportedly attacked in the same area, suffering broken vertebrae. Earlier in October, AFP photographer Jaafar Ashtiyeh was also reportedly assaulted while covering tensions surrounding the olive harvest.
The violence has drawn international condemnation amid growing concerns over attacks against Palestinians, journalists and foreign visitors in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged caution before conclusions were drawn about the attacks, while his political rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, criticised the government over the escalating violence.
The olive harvest holds significant cultural and economic importance for Palestinians. Local religious leaders in Taybeh also reported that other farmers had been attacked during the harvest, including an elderly woman who was allegedly beaten.
The occupied West Bank has experienced rising tensions involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians. Israeli settlements in the territory are considered illegal under international law.
