The Israeli military has faced international backlash after its forces fired warning shots at a diplomatic delegation near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The incident, which included diplomats from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China, drew swift condemnation from over a dozen governments worldwide. No one was injured in the incident, but governments and leaders expressed outrage and demanded explanations from Israel for its actions on the diplomats.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the incident as “totally unacceptable” and summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation. UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Hamish Falconer stated, “Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation, and those responsible should be held accountable.”
Other leaders echoed similar sentiments. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said, “I am deeply shocked and horrified that the [Israeli forces] today opened fire on a group of diplomats visiting the town of Jenin.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani added, “The threats against diplomats are unacceptable.”
The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp condemned the shooting, saying, “Diplomats should be able to do their work, and threatening them is unacceptable.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated, “This is unacceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be summoned to explain.”
The German Federal Foreign Office “strongly condemned” the incident, emphasizing the indispensable role of diplomats as independent observers on the ground. Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs also condemned the gunfire, stating it “violates the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and is utterly unacceptable.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs “strongly condemns” the Israeli occupation forces for opening fire on the diplomatic delegation, considering it a “violation of international laws, conventions, and diplomatic norms.” Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its “absolute rejection” of the incident and called for Israel to provide necessary clarifications.
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the incident “violates the provisions of Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which establishes the inviolability of diplomatic agents.” The ministry will request the Israeli embassy in Mexico to provide the necessary clarifications.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described the incident as a “clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and a crime that contravenes all diplomatic norms.” Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stating it “endangered the lives of diplomats” and demonstrates Israel’s “systematic disregard for international law and human rights.”
The international community continues to pressure Israel for a transparent investigation and accountability in the wake of this incident.