Ramallah:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has strongly condemned a terrorist attack conducted by Israeli colonists near al-Taybeh, northeast of Ramallah. The attack targeted a group of diplomats performing their duties and included the French and Belgian consul generals, a representative of Poland, other diplomats, and representatives of the Catholic Church. Additionally, a French mayor was assaulted, and a Belgian vehicle was damaged during the incident.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the ministry emphasized that this criminal attack is further evidence of escalating organized colonist terrorism aimed at the Palestinian people and their property. Such attacks do not spare international solidarity activists, diplomats, journalists, or clergy, and are intended to intimidate and prevent them from carrying out their duties in exposing Israeli crimes and violations against Palestinians.
The ministry attributed the expansion of these terrorist acts to the protection provided by the Israeli government and criticized the ongoing policy of impunity that emboldens colonists to continue their assaults. It held the Israeli government fully responsible for these attacks and their repercussions, urging it to cease colonist terrorism and ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians, diplomats, journalists, clergy, and international activists.
Highlighting the insufficiency of mere condemnation, the ministry called for international accountability to prevent further crimes. It expressed solidarity with those attacked and praised Belgium's stance against colonization and colonist terrorism, advocating for European sanctions against the perpetrators. The ministry also acknowledged supportive positions from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other nations, urging them to implement practical measures to hold accountable those involved in violence and those offering protection to colonists.
The ministry stressed that colonist terrorism is inherently linked to the system of colonization, land seizure policies, and the forced displacement of Palestinians, violating international law. It called for urgent international action to protect Palestinians, halt colonization, end the Israeli occupation, and ensure Palestinians' rights to freedom, dignity, and self-determination. Furthermore, it emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and for enabling Palestinians to exercise political and democratic rights without restrictions from the occupation.