Israeli forces fire warning shots at diplomatic delegation in West Bank

On Wednesday, a significant incident occurred in the occupied West Bank when the Israeli military fired warning shots at a delegation of European and Arab diplomats. This event took place during an official visit to the Jenin refugee camp, where a large group from over 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, aimed to assess the humanitarian situation following extensive military operations in the area. As reported by the Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this incident was described as a deliberate act against the delegation, asserting that the Israeli government would be held responsible for the criminal assault. Footage from the scene captured Israeli soldiers firing into the air while the delegation retreated from a blocked road. Precautionary remarks were made among the delegates as they were advised to stay close to a wall for safety. The IDF stated that the visit had been coordinated and claimed that warning shots were fired because the diplomats had deviated from an agreed route, entering an area where they were not authorized. They expressed regret over the incident and promised to investigate further. Various nations expressed outrage over the Israeli military's actions, viewing it as a violation of diplomatic norms. In the aftermath, responses from international representatives were swift and critical. Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, condemned the threat to diplomats, insisting on an investigation into the matter. Italy's foreign ministry urged for a clarification, reflecting a similar sentiment from Spain, Egypt, and Turkey, all of whom demanded accountability and investigations into the incident. Countries involved indicated their intention to summon Israeli ambassadors to express their concerns and push for explanations regarding the events in Jenin. The incident in Jenin forms part of a broader context of heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories, particularly in the West Bank amidst ongoing military operations against armed groups. The backdrop includes years of violence and conflict, exacerbated by recent escalations sparked by the war in Gaza following a Hamas attack on Israel. As such, the incident raises critical questions about the safety of diplomatic missions in volatile regions, and the responsibilities of military forces when interacting with foreign representatives.