European Governments Condemn Israeli Gunfire Near Diplomatic Delegation in West Bank

Brussels, May 21 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Several European countries on Thursday condemned an incident in which Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a diplomatic delegation visiting the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, prompting formal protests and demands for an investigation.

The Israeli military said the delegation had deviated from its approved route and entered an area where it was not authorized to be, prompting soldiers to fire “warning shots to distance them away.” No injuries or damage were reported.

Footage broadcast on Israeli television showed individuals running toward vehicles with diplomatic license plates as gunshots rang out in the background.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described the incident as “unacceptable” in a statement posted on social media platform X. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned Israel’s ambassador to Rome for an explanation, calling the firing near diplomats a serious matter requiring clarification.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry, which has been a close ally of Israel, issued a strong rebuke, calling the gunfire “unprovoked.” It said the delegation had been officially registered and was operating in coordination with both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Army.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the incident and urged Israel to launch a formal investigation. “We call on Israel to investigate this incident and also hold those accountable who are responsible for any threats to diplomats’ lives,” she said.

Turkey’s foreign ministry, which confirmed that Turkish diplomats were among those targeted, said the gunfire was “yet another demonstration of Israel’s systematic disregard for international law and human rights.”

Spain’s foreign ministry also confirmed that one of its nationals was among the delegation and stated, “We are in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response to what happened, which we strongly condemn.”

The Palestinian Authority’s foreign ministry said the delegation was undertaking an official mission to observe humanitarian conditions and document alleged violations committed by Israeli forces in Jenin. It called the military’s actions a violation of international law.

The incident comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza and to ease restrictions on humanitarian aid. UN experts have warned of famine conditions in Gaza following an 11-week Israeli blockade.

Kallas also stated earlier in the week that the EU should consider reviewing its trade agreement with Israel, citing ongoing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the 20-month-long war in Gaza.

Since January, the Israeli military has launched extensive operations in Jenin and surrounding areas in the West Bank, targeting what it describes as militant infrastructure. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed, and numerous homes have been destroyed.