Israeli Troops Fire Warning Shots During Diplomatic Visit in West Bank
Incident near Jenin draws international condemnation amid ongoing tensions.
Israeli military personnel fired "warning shots" on May 21, 2025, during a visit by a group of foreign diplomats to the West Bank, specifically near Jenin.
The Israeli military stated that the delegation had deviated from an approved route, prompting the action intended to deter them from entering an area where they were not authorized.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for accountability, urging Israel to address the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the diplomatic delegation with live fire, asserting that the delegation was on a fact-finding mission to observe damages incurred during months of Israeli military operations in the area.
In response to the incident, Belgium has demanded a “convincing explanation” from Israeli authorities.
Spain is coordinating with other affected nations regarding a collective response, which it has strongly condemned.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador, labeling threats against diplomats as unacceptable.
France has indicated plans to summon the Israeli ambassador as well, while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to discuss the “unprovoked shooting” with his counterpart in Israel.
Egypt described the incident as a violation of diplomatic norms, while Turkey noted an employee from its consulate in Jerusalem was part of the delegation, demanding an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Ahmad Al-Deek, a political adviser for the Palestinian foreign ministry, characterized the action as reckless, stating it had provided the delegation insight into the precarious living conditions faced by Palestinians in the region.
The Palestinian Authority has released footage purportedly showing two Israeli soldiers aiming rifles at a group of individuals, condemning the shooting as a heinous act that deliberately targeted the accredited diplomatic group during their visit.
A diplomat who was present reported hearing "repeated shots" originating from inside the Jenin refugee camp.
The delegation included representatives from over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, France, Jordan, Turkey, and Russia.
The Israeli military stated that the delegation had deviated from an approved route, prompting the action intended to deter them from entering an area where they were not authorized.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for accountability, urging Israel to address the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the diplomatic delegation with live fire, asserting that the delegation was on a fact-finding mission to observe damages incurred during months of Israeli military operations in the area.
In response to the incident, Belgium has demanded a “convincing explanation” from Israeli authorities.
Spain is coordinating with other affected nations regarding a collective response, which it has strongly condemned.
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador, labeling threats against diplomats as unacceptable.
France has indicated plans to summon the Israeli ambassador as well, while Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is set to discuss the “unprovoked shooting” with his counterpart in Israel.
Egypt described the incident as a violation of diplomatic norms, while Turkey noted an employee from its consulate in Jerusalem was part of the delegation, demanding an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Ahmad Al-Deek, a political adviser for the Palestinian foreign ministry, characterized the action as reckless, stating it had provided the delegation insight into the precarious living conditions faced by Palestinians in the region.
The Palestinian Authority has released footage purportedly showing two Israeli soldiers aiming rifles at a group of individuals, condemning the shooting as a heinous act that deliberately targeted the accredited diplomatic group during their visit.
A diplomat who was present reported hearing "repeated shots" originating from inside the Jenin refugee camp.
The delegation included representatives from over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, France, Jordan, Turkey, and Russia.
