Several nations expressed outrage Wednesday after Israeli troops fired warning shots at foreign diplomats. Consequently, this incident occurred as the diplomats visited the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority accused troops of deliberately shooting at the delegation near Jenin. Meanwhile, the Israeli military, already under scrutiny for its Gaza war tactics, regretted the inconvenience caused.
Palestinian news agency (Wafa) reported that the delegation included diplomats from more than 20 countries. These countries included Britain, China, Egypt, France, Japan, Jordan, Turkey, and Russia. AFP footage from Jenin showed the delegation and journalists running for cover as shots rang out. A European diplomat stated that the envoys visited to assess the destruction from Israeli military raids since October 2023.
Israeli Military’s Explanation
The Israeli military claimed the diplomatic convoy strayed from the approved route and entered a restricted zone. Troops fired warning shots to redirect the group, ensuring no one was wounded. They expressed regret for the inconvenience caused. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman condemned the incident as unacceptable. He emphasized that diplomats must never face attacks while performing their duties.
Several countries with representatives in the group voiced outrage and demanded an investigation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Israel to hold those responsible accountable. Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Uruguay summoned Israel’s ambassadors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the incident totally unacceptable and pressed for an immediate explanation.
Regional Reactions and Diplomatic Responses
Egypt denounced the shooting as a breach of all diplomatic norms, while Turkey demanded an immediate investigation. Turkey’s foreign ministry insisted on identifying and holding the perpetrators accountable. Ahmad al-Deek, a political adviser for the Palestinian foreign ministry, condemned the reckless act by the Israeli army. He noted that it gave the diplomatic delegation a firsthand impression of the Palestinian people’s daily life.
Moreover, Japan’s government confirmed its diplomatic staff participated and deeply regretted the incident. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that Japan protested to Israel. They requested an explanation and measures to prevent a recurrence. This incident occurred amid growing anger over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Palestinians are struggling for basic supplies after weeks of near-total isolation.
Escalating Tensions and International Pressure
Israel has faced significant pressure, including from its allies, to halt its intensified offensive and allow aid into Gaza. European Union foreign ministers ordered a review of the EU cooperation accord with Israel. Sweden plans to press the EU to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers. Britain suspended free-trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador. Pope Leo XIV described the situation in Gaza as worrying and painful, calling for sufficient humanitarian aid.
Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in 1,218 deaths in Israel, half of them civilians. Militants also took 251 hostages, with 57 remaining in Gaza, including 34 the military says are dead. Gaza’s health ministry reported at least 3,509 people killed since Israel resumed strikes on 18 March, bringing the war’s overall toll to 53,655, mostly civilians.
