Egypt Daily News – Gunfire from Israeli soldiers directed at a group of diplomats in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, has sparked strong condemnation from Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, the European Union, and other countries. These parties denounced the “threat” to the diplomats and called on Israel to clarify the circumstances of the incident.
On Wednesday, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident, describing the warning shots fired by Israeli forces at diplomats in the West Bank as “unacceptable threats.” Tajani posted on X: “We demand immediate clarification from the Israeli government. Threats against diplomats are unacceptable.” He added that he had contacted Italian Deputy Consul Alessandro Tutino, who “was among the diplomats targeted near the Jenin refugee camp” and confirmed he is safe.
French Minister of State for Europe, Jean-Noël Barrot, also wrote on X: “A visit to Jenin involving one of our diplomats came under fire from Israeli soldiers. This is unacceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be summoned to provide explanations. We fully support our staff on the ground and their outstanding work in these difficult conditions.”
Following suit, Spain summoned the Israeli ambassador in response to the attack on diplomats. Portugal did the same, with its foreign ministry stating that it had summoned the Israeli ambassador after “an incident that challenges international law,” and condemned the gunfire. The ministry confirmed that a Portuguese diplomat was among the foreign group.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called on Israel to investigate the incident in which Israeli soldiers fired on diplomats visiting Jenin. She noted that the diplomats were approaching the refugee camp during a visit organized by the Palestinian Authority and said, “We certainly urge Israel to investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable. Any threat to the lives of diplomats is unacceptable.” Kallas emphasized that under international conventions, Israel is obligated to ensure the safety of all foreign diplomats.
The Israeli army acknowledged that its forces fired “warning shots” after the delegation “deviated” from the agreed route during their visit to Jenin in northern West Bank. It said, “The delegation strayed from the approved path and entered an unauthorized area,” adding that it “regrets the inconvenience caused” and confirmed no injuries were reported.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib also demanded “clear explanations” from Israel after Israeli soldiers fired warning shots at a convoy that included around twenty diplomats, including a Belgian. She confirmed the Belgian diplomat was unharmed and stated that the visit was an officially coordinated mission with clearly identifiable vehicles.
A foreign diplomat in the delegation told AFP that he heard “repeated gunfire” from inside the refugee camp. “We were visiting the camp’s edge with the governor of Jenin to inspect the destruction. Suddenly we heard repeated shots—not just one or two—and we all started running back to the vehicles.”
Footage circulating online showed two uniformed Israeli soldiers pointing their rifles toward a group of people near a yellow metal gate recently installed by the army at an entrance to the camp, where gunfire was heard. Video from AFP showed foreign diplomats and journalists rushing for cover. An AFP journalist on the scene reported hearing several gunshots coming from within the Jenin refugee camp.
