Palestine News Today: Settlers Attack European Diplomats in West Bank as Gaza Faces Harsh Winter

18 October 2026. A violent attack on European diplomats and clergy in the occupied West Bank has sparked international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability, while Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens ahead of winter. UK-linked scrutiny continues alongside solidarity protests, as the human toll of the war remains at the centre of global attention.

European diplomats attacked by settlers while protecting olive harvest

BBC News and The Guardian report that Israeli settlers attacked a delegation of European diplomats, a French mayor and the archbishop of Cambrai in Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank. The group had gathered to support Palestinians harvesting olives on their own land, a longstanding target of settler violence. Three people were injured and a car was damaged, according to The Guardian, while the Israeli military condemned the violence though the prime minister's office reportedly dismissed it as a smear campaign.

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian

French, Belgian and Polish officials among those targeted

Anadolu Agency reports that the attacked delegation comprised French, Belgian and Polish representatives, who came under assault in Taybeh. A European diplomat quoted by Anadolu rejected suggestions from Netanyahu's office that coordination with the Israeli military had been lacking, pointing instead to Israel's own security responsibility in Area B of the West Bank. Israeli army radio reportedly said forces failed to respond to the incident for three hours.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor

Belgium condemns attack, pushes for EU sanctions

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot condemned the attack on Palestinians and diplomats, confirming the Belgian team was safe, according to Anadolu Agency and Middle East Monitor. Prevot pledged to continue pressing for EU sanctions over attacks by Israeli occupiers. The Palestinian Authority has urged further international action following the assault on the European delegation near Ramallah.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency, Middle East Monitor

US officials demand prosecution over attack on journalist

Anadolu Agency reports that US envoy Mike Huckabee has called for the prosecution of Israeli occupiers over an attack on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine in the West Bank, describing it as a cowardly and despicable act. US Secretary of State Rubio said Washington was 'very disturbed' by the attack and had urged Israel to crack down on settler violence, adding that the Trump administration does not want a new crisis in the West Bank.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency

Israeli forces raid West Bank towns, detain Palestinians

Anadolu Agency reports that Israeli forces detained two Palestinians and fired tear gas during raids across the occupied West Bank, with children suffering breathing difficulties near Nablus. The raids also targeted areas around Ramallah and occupied East Jerusalem, continuing a pattern of military incursions into Palestinian communities.

Sources: Anadolu Agency

UK security adviser's wife faces scrutiny over Palestine Action post

Middle East Monitor reports that the wife of a UK security adviser is facing scrutiny after a social media post relating to Palestine Action, the group proscribed as a terrorist organisation in Britain. The story follows continued legal and political controversy in the UK over the group's banned status, which campaigners have challenged through the courts.

Sources: Middle East Monitor

Gaza families reunite as Civil Defence worker searches for loved ones

Al Jazeera reports on the experience of a captain in Gaza's Civil Defence unit attempting to reunite with family members after more than a year of separation caused by the war. The Guardian separately documents the plight of couples and families scattered by the conflict, including a mother forced to leave Gaza for medical treatment in 2023 while her injured husband remained behind, with the family still unable to reunite.

Sources: Al Jazeera, The Guardian

Gaza buries 75 victims recovered from rubble in Daraj

Anadolu Agency reports that Gaza has buried the remains of 75 Palestinians, including women and children, recovered from the rubble of homes destroyed by Israeli strikes in Gaza City's Daraj neighbourhood. Separately, Anadolu reports a Palestinian girl was killed by Israeli army fire in central Gaza, while Israeli forces also opened fire toward displaced people's tents in Rafah and shelled areas northeast of Khan Younis.

Sources: Anadolu Agency, Anadolu Agency

Gaza shelters crumble as winter approaches

UN News and Middle East Monitor report that Palestinians in Gaza are facing another winter without safe shelter, with families using flour sacks as makeshift flood barriers in tattered tents and damaged buildings. The International Organization for Migration warns that repeated displacement has left shelters deteriorating badly, compounding the humanitarian crisis as cold and rain threaten further harm to already vulnerable families.

Sources: UN News, Middle East Monitor

Palestine News is published every day on Free Palestine Store. Each item recaps reporting from the named outlets in our own words; follow the source links for full coverage.