Ramallah:The United States and France have intensified their criticism of Israeli colonist attacks in the occupied West Bank, as violence against Palestinians, journalists, foreign solidarity activists, and a European diplomatic delegation increases during the olive harvest season.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA – English, the United States has called on Israel to take decisive action to deter colonist violence, while France has urged Israeli authorities to detain those responsible for the attack on a European diplomatic delegation and bring them to justice.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over footage showing attacks in the West Bank, emphasizing that the United States has repeatedly urged Israel to take firm measures against such violence. His comments came after the assault on American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was injured by Israeli colonists while covering attacks against Palestinian farmers.
Rubio highlighted that this attack was not an isolated incident, noting that the US State Department is monitoring the situation and awaiting a response from the US Embassy in Jerusalem. He also mentioned the significance of the olive harvest season, which attracts many people to agricultural areas.
Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the attack on a European diplomatic delegation "horrific" and demanded that Israeli authorities hold the perpetrators accountable. Barrot's statement on social media confirmed that Bernard Baudoux, the mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries in France, was violently attacked by extremist Israeli colonists.
On Saturday, Israeli colonists assaulted a delegation from France, Belgium, and Poland in al-Taybeh, east of Ramallah. Video footage showed colonists threatening the delegation's vehicles, with one vehicle sustaining visible damage.
Belgium's foreign minister confirmed that European diplomats and the French mayor had been attacked in the West Bank. Barrot emphasized the urgent need to end settler violence and protect civilians, in line with international law obligations.