JENIN: In a serious breach of diplomatic protocol, Israeli forces opened fire with warning shots at a delegation of 35 diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
The delegation included representatives from France, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, and numerous other European and Arab nations.
According to Ahmad al-Deek, political advisor to the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic mission was present near the eastern entrance of the Jenin refugee camp around 2 PM when Israeli soldiers suddenly began firing warning shots.
Among the delegation were diplomats from France, Italy, Spain, China, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, and more than 30 other countries, including Italy’s Deputy Consul General Alessandro Totino.
A video released by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows two Israeli soldiers aiming their weapons at the delegation from behind a metal gate, with loud gunshots heard in the background. Eyewitnesses reported that diplomats and journalists panicked, running toward their vehicles in an attempt to take cover. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that the Israeli ambassador would be summoned to Paris, stating that all options are being considered to increase pressure on Israel.
He condemned the expansion of the Israeli military operation in Gaza and called for an immediate halt to the offensive, demanding Israel allow humanitarian aid into the region and respect international law.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome, declaring that endangering the lives of diplomats is unacceptable. Spain strongly condemned the incident and revealed plans to coordinate a joint response with other affected nations.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, speaking at a press conference in Brussels, emphasized that “warning shots are still gunshots” and insisted that those responsible must be held accountable.
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