Before the incident, a diplomatic delegation was attacked in the West Bank by masked Israeli settlers while assessing the security situation and violence against Palestinians. During the attack, the French mayor was struck, and a Belgian consulate vehicle was damaged. Israeli forces condemned the incident and announced an investigation, while the Belgian foreign minister called for European measures and sanctions against violent settlers.
In the same context, an American photojournalist was seriously injured after being attacked by Israeli settlers while reporting on the olive harvest. Earlier reports also mentioned interventions by Israeli forces, as well as the use of tear gas against Palestinians, while car and plantation fires were reported in other localities.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials condemned violence committed by settlers in certain villages in the West Bank, and the American administration called on the Israeli prime minister to publicly condemn such actions. The pressure came amid intensifying tensions and repeated attacks on Palestinians and those documenting the situation on the ground.
