An official diplomatic visit by representatives from more than 20 countries near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank was met with warning gunfire from Israeli forces on Wednesday, prompting a wave of international condemnation and demands for accountability.
The delegation, comprising diplomats from nations including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and several Arab states, was on a humanitarian mission to assess the situation around the camp, where Israeli military operations have recently devastated infrastructure and displaced thousands.
Footage from the scene shows Israeli soldiers firing multiple warning shots as the diplomats approached a gate on a route they believed to be authorized. At least seven gunshots were heard as the group retreated. One participant urged others to stay close to a wall for protection.
Footage Courtesy/CNN
The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the incident a “deliberate and unlawful act,” asserting the visit had been pre-coordinated and that the group waited at the gate for more than 15 minutes before shots were fired. It held the Israeli government “fully and directly responsible” and demanded accountability.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident, stating the visit had initially been coordinated but that the delegation “deviated from the approved route.” The IDF said soldiers fired warning shots to deter entry into a restricted zone and has launched an investigation.
However, UN and international officials disputed this account. Roland Friedrich, director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the West Bank, stated that the military’s explanation failed to convey “the severity of today’s event,” emphasizing concerns over the “excessive use of force” by Israeli security forces.
European Union Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas called the shooting “unacceptable” and urged Israel to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Italy, France, Spain, Canada, and Finland announced they were summoning Israeli ambassadors for explanations.
Canada confirmed four of its personnel were present during the incident. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the shooting as “totally unacceptable,” demanding a full and immediate explanation from Israel.
Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stressed that even if the delegation had strayed from the route, “it is prohibited to open fire against civilians,” especially diplomats under international protection.
Condemnation also came from Arab states including Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. Turkey’s foreign ministry decried the shooting as “a grave threat” to diplomacy and called for an immediate investigation and accountability.
As pressure mounts, Israel faces renewed scrutiny over its conduct in the occupied territories, particularly its treatment of civilians and the international community’s representatives.
Clarification: The incident occurred near the Jenin refugee camp, not within it.
Written By Rodney Mbua
