Israeli Troops Fire Warning Shots at Diplomatic Delegation in West Bank, Sparking International Outrage

JENIN, West Bank — On May 21, Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a delegation of 25 foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, prompting widespread international condemnation. The delegation, organized by the Palestinian Authority, included representatives from over 30 countries, such as the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Ireland, Egypt, and Turkey, and was assessing the humanitarian situation amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the area.

Incident Details

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the delegation deviated from an approved route and entered an unauthorized area, leading soldiers to fire warning shots into the air to distance them. The IDF expressed regret for the incident and stated that an internal investigation is underway.

Video footage from the scene shows diplomats scrambling for cover as shots are heard. No injuries were reported, but the event caused significant alarm among the participants.

International Reactions

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the international community:

• France and Italy summoned Israeli ambassadors to demand explanations, labeling the incident “unacceptable.”

• Germany condemned the “unprovoked firing,” emphasizing that the delegation was conducting official diplomatic activities coordinated with both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Army.

• Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed shock, confirming that Irish diplomats were present and describing the incident as “completely unacceptable.”

• Canada and Turkey also demanded thorough investigations, with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney stating, “We expect an immediate explanation of what happened. It’s totally unacceptable.”

• The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called for accountability, asserting that “even warning shots are unacceptable.”

• The United Nations emphasized that the safety and inviolability of diplomats must be respected at all times, urging Israel to conduct a thorough investigation.

Broader Context

The incident occurs amid escalating tensions in the region. Since January, the Israeli military has been conducting operations in Jenin aimed at rooting out militants, leading to significant displacement and casualties among Palestinians.

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with the UN reporting that aid remains undelivered due to insecurity and logistical hurdles, despite Israel’s claims of lifting an 11-week blockade.

The firing of warning shots at a diplomatic delegation has intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s military actions and raised concerns about the safety of diplomatic missions in conflict zones. As investigations proceed, the incident underscores the urgent need for ensuring the protection of diplomatic personnel and adherence to international norms.