Guardian footage documents attack on French mayor in West Bank
Guardian footage adds evidence of the October 17 attack on a European delegation in Taybeh; Israeli officials questioned the account and announced an investigation.
In short
- Guardian footage adds evidence of the October 17 attack on a European delegation in Taybeh; Israeli officials questioned the account and announced an investigation.
Video evidence published by the Guardian on October 18, 2026, documents the moments surrounding an attack on a visiting French mayor and a European diplomatic delegation in Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank, on October 17.
The newspaper said its reporter witnessed masked Israeli settlers approaching the group as it left an olive harvest with Palestinian residents. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was knocked to the ground, and a diplomatic vehicle’s window was smashed, according to the reporting and footage.
The Guardian said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office questioned whether the images established the full sequence of events and individual responsibility. Its earlier report said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attacks and announced a police investigation.
The delegation’s visit took place during the annual olive harvest, when Palestinian farmers have reported attacks obstructing access to their groves. The new footage adds evidence to accounts of the Taybeh incident; the material reviewed does not establish the attackers’ identities or an investigative outcome.
