Israeli soldiers opened fire near a delegation of foreign diplomats on an official visit to the occupied West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday, prompting a swift international backlash and straining Israel's already tense relations with European and regional allies.
The Israeli military confirmed it fired warning shots near the group, saying the diplomats had "deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorised to be." No injuries were reported, though footage showed participants ducking and moving quickly toward their vehicles as at least seven shots rang out.
The delegation included representatives from more than 20 countries, including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, and several Arab nations. The visit was reportedly coordinated in advance with both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Army. According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, the diplomats were conducting a humanitarian observation mission near the Jenin refugee camp, where a major Israeli military operation has destroyed over 100 buildings and displaced thousands since January.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union's top diplomat, called for an "official investigation" and stated, "We call on Israel to investigate this incident and also hold those accountable who are responsible for any threats to diplomats' lives." The EU is currently reviewing its trade agreement with Israel in light of its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The incident triggered multiple diplomatic summons. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that "the threats against diplomats are unacceptable," while France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the event "unacceptable" and demanded clarification from Israel's ambassador in Paris. Spain confirmed that one of its diplomats was among the delegation and said it was coordinating a joint response with other nations.
Germany, traditionally one of Israel's staunchest allies, condemned what it described as "unprovoked firing." The German Foreign Ministry emphasized that the delegation's mission had been "officially registered" and coordinated in advance.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) director in the West Bank, Roland Friedrich, sharply criticized the Israeli Defense Forces' response, stating, "This incident is a stark reminder of the lax use of excessive force routinely deployed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank, often with lethal consequences."
Turkey's Foreign Ministry described the incident as "yet another demonstration of Israel's systematic disregard for international law and human rights," and called for an immediate investigation to identify and punish those responsible.
Israel's military said it has launched an internal inquiry into the event and plans to brief the involved delegations once more information is gathered. The IDF added, The military "regrets the inconvenience caused."
