The regional conflict continues to spread, with violence in the occupied West Bank and renewed security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
Violence across the Middle East continued on Sunday as Israeli settlers attacked European diplomats in the occupied West Bank, while Saudi Arabia reported another drone interception over the Riyadh region.
The incidents come amid growing regional instability, with maritime security also under pressure following reports of oil tankers catching fire near the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.
European diplomats targeted in West Bank attack
Masked Israeli settlers attacked a group of European diplomats and other officials during a visit to the Palestinian village of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, according to Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot.
The delegation included Belgium's consul general to the Palestinians, French and Polish diplomats, and Catholic representatives. A vehicle belonging to the Belgian delegation was also damaged during the incident.
Bernard Baudoux, a French mayor who was visiting the area to show solidarity with Palestinians during the olive harvest, said he was violently assaulted and thrown to the ground.
The attack has drawn strong criticism from European officials, who have called on Israeli authorities to protect civilians, diplomats and journalists and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Israel's military described the incident as a serious act of violence, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attackers. Israeli police have opened an investigation.
The incident followed another attack on Friday in which American photojournalist Heidi Levine, who was covering Palestinian olive harvesting, was injured and hospitalised.
The latest violence has renewed concerns about the safety of Palestinians and international visitors in the occupied West Bank, particularly during the olive harvest season.
Drone intercepted over Riyadh
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Riyadh region, according to a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Officials did not immediately identify where the drone originated or specify its intended target.
The interception comes as Saudi Arabia faces a series of missile and drone attacks amid escalating hostilities involving Yemen's Houthi movement and the wider regional conflict.
Recent attacks have raised concerns about the security of major civilian and economic infrastructure, including Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport and facilities linked to Saudi oil giant Aramco.
Saudi authorities have also issued security alerts in several areas as the threat of further attacks continues.
The latest incident highlights the growing security challenges facing the kingdom as it attempts to protect its cities and critical infrastructure from attacks linked to the wider regional crisis.
Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure
Maritime security is also becoming an increasingly serious concern. Reports on Sunday indicated that fires had broken out on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman.
Iran's military and naval authorities reported incidents involving tankers, including a vessel that allegedly struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz. Details surrounding the incidents and the circumstances behind them remain under investigation.
The waterway is one of the world's most important routes for oil shipments, meaning continued disruption could have consequences well beyond the region.
With violence affecting diplomatic missions, civilian infrastructure and international shipping, the latest developments underline how the conflict is creating security risks across several parts of the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts and security measures remain crucial as regional governments face mounting pressure to prevent further escalation.
