The Israeli army fired warning shots at a group of European Union diplomats visiting the West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday, sparking international condemnation.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the delegation deviated from the approved route that had been coordinated with the army, entering an unauthorized area.
“The delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorized to be,” the IDF stated. “Soldiers operating in the area fired warning shots.” The military added that no injuries were reported and expressed regret for “the inconvenience caused.”
The Palestinian Authority condemned the incident, describing the use of live fire as a “blatant and grave breach” of international law and diplomatic relations outlined in the 1961 Vienna Convention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine declared that such acts “will not pass without accountability,” calling upon the international community to “take a clear stance against Israeli assaults and protect the Palestinian people and diplomatic personnel operating in Palestine.”
European nations responded swiftly. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized the firing on diplomats and urged Israel to “immediately clarify” the situation.
“I have just spoken to Alessandro Tutino, the Deputy Consul General of Italy in Jerusalem, who is well and was among the diplomats who were apparently shot at near the Jenin refugee camp,” Tajani said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Threats against diplomats are unacceptable.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. “Any threats on diplomats’ lives are unacceptable,” Kallas told journalists in Brussels.
Spain also “strongly” condemned the event. A spokesperson for the Spanish foreign ministry said, “There was a Spaniard in the group of diplomats who is well. We are in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response to what happened, which we strongly condemn.”
The incident has heightened tensions in the region and raised concerns over the safety of diplomatic missions in areas of conflict.
