فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Jenin, West Bank – The international community voiced widespread outrage and condemnation today, Wednesday, after a convoy carrying international diplomats came under fire from Israeli forces near the eastern entrance of the Jenin refugee camp in the northern West Bank. The convoy had been en route to assess humanitarian conditions following weeks of military operations that have exacerbated civilian suffering.
Eyewitness accounts and local media footage confirmed that live ammunition was fired directly and heavily at the delegation, which included diplomats from over 20 countries. According to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), the diplomats were inspecting damage and blockade conditions at the entrance when nearby Israeli soldiers opened fire. The incident occurred near a metal gate erected by the Israeli army, and journalists accompanying the delegation also came under fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Nations Demand Accountability and Joint Investigation
The international backlash was swift and vocal, with several countries expressing outrage and calling for thorough investigations. Here are the details of individual reactions:
Italy Condemns the Incident: Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned the event as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that warning shots targeting diplomats could not be justified under any circumstance. Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador for urgent explanations. “We ask for immediate clarifications from the Israeli government. Threats against diplomats are unacceptable,” Tajani wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Spain Demands a Joint International Response: Spain denounced the incident in strong terms and confirmed that one of its diplomats was part of the delegation and unharmed. “We are investigating every detail of the situation. A coordinated response from affected countries is being discussed,” Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
European Union Calls for Investigation: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas labeled the event “unacceptable,” urging Israel to conduct a full investigation and hold the responsible parties accountable. “Any threat to the lives of diplomats is unacceptable,” she told reporters in Brussels.
Belgium: “Clear Violation” Despite Coordination: Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed deep concern and demanded “convincing explanations.” She noted that the convoy had been coordinated with the Israeli army and was clearly marked. “The Belgian diplomat is safe, but the implications of such a targeted threat are serious,” she added.
Germany: “Unjustified Shooting”: Germany issued a strong statement: “We demand an immediate clarification of the circumstances. This is a grave and unjustified use of force.”
France to Summon Israeli Ambassador: French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the gunfire “unacceptable.” France announced that it would summon the Israeli ambassador for urgent discussions. “A French diplomat was part of this mission. We reaffirm our full support to our staff who are working under extreme conditions,” Barrot tweeted.
Egypt Denounces the Attack: Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the shooting, confirming the presence of the Egyptian ambassador to Ramallah in the convoy. “Egypt rejects in the strongest terms the targeting of diplomatic personnel,” the statement read.
Jordan Labels the Incident a “Violation”: Jordanian authorities labeled the gunfire a “blatant violation of international diplomatic norms and agreements.”
Netherlands and Portugal Respond Strongly: The Netherlands and Portugal also condemned the attack. The Portuguese government summoned the Israeli ambassador, stating: “This act challenges international law and cannot go unanswered.”
Turkey Calls for Accountability: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a “swift and transparent investigation.” A Turkish consulate staff member was also present in the convoy.
Ireland’s Strong Language of Condemnation: Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris expressed outrage: “The fact that Israeli soldiers fired near diplomats—including two Irish diplomats—is absolutely unacceptable and deserves the strongest condemnation.”
Israeli Army Statements and Internal Investigation
The Israeli military admitted to firing warning shots but claimed the delegation deviated from a coordinated path. According to their statement: “The delegation entered a combat zone despite previously agreed coordination. The soldiers fired warning shots. No injuries or damages were reported.”
Brigadier General Yaki Dolf has been assigned to lead an internal investigation, and the Civil Administration has been tasked with updating all involved countries.
Coordination Breakdown or Operational Error?
The diplomatic community disputes the Israeli version, asserting that the visit was fully coordinated and involved 20 visibly marked vehicles. Many analysts suggest this may represent a breakdown in communication or a broader pattern of aggressive conduct.
List of Countries Represented in the Delegation
The visiting delegation included diplomats from: Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the European Union, Portugal, China, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, Spain, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Japan, Romania, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Canada, India, Chile, France, and the United Kingdom.
Political Fallout: Mounting Pressure on Netanyahu
Domestic Political Challenges: The diplomatic shooting incident adds to the already intense pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His far-right coalition has faced criticism for its aggressive military tactics in the West Bank and Gaza, often cited for disproportionate force and civilian casualties. Opposition lawmakers in Israel have demanded clarity and accountability for what they term a “diplomatic embarrassment” that threatens Israel’s global standing. “The government’s recklessness is isolating us,” an opposition Knesset member stated.
International Legal and Diplomatic Repercussions: Legal experts note that the shooting could constitute a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which guarantees the safety and freedom of movement for diplomats. Calls for international legal reviews and even possible sanctions are growing. If proven intentional or negligent, the Israeli government could face a range of punitive diplomatic measures.
Media and Civil Society Response
International media outlets have provided front-page coverage to the incident, emphasizing the rarity of direct military action against diplomats in the modern era. Think tanks and human rights organizations have issued joint statements urging the UN to conduct an independent investigation. Social media has also seen an explosion of activity, with hashtags like #DiplomaticImmunity, #JeninShooting, and #IsraelUnderFire trending globally. Palestinian civil society groups state the attack underscores a pattern of disregard for international norms and humanitarian law.
Impact on Diplomatic Missions and Humanitarian Efforts
This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of international personnel operating in the West Bank and Gaza. Several countries are reassessing their protocols for diplomatic visits and humanitarian missions. Some, including Portugal and Ireland, have temporarily suspended in-person delegations pending security reassessments. Humanitarian organizations fear that a reduced international presence could worsen conditions for civilians in conflict zones.
Historical Precedents and Future International Presence
Historically, any attack or threat against diplomats is met with severe international consequences. For instance:
- 2012: The killing of the US Ambassador in Benghazi led to worldwide outrage and investigations.
- 2021: The detention of foreign diplomats in Myanmar drew widespread condemnation and UN involvement. In both cases, the global community insisted on accountability, and those events had long-term impacts on international relations. Analysts suggest this shooting could follow a similar trajectory if not promptly addressed.
The shooting has sparked debate about whether international missions can continue safely in regions where conflict is intense and state coordination is unreliable. There are calls within EU and UN circles for the creation of internationally protected zones and blue-helmet escorts for future diplomatic and humanitarian visits in volatile areas.
Conclusion:
The shooting at the diplomatic convoy in Jenin marks a troubling moment in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict—one that risks escalating into a full-blown diplomatic crisis. With more than 20 nations involved and numerous calls for accountability, the world is watching closely to see how Israel will respond. The incident not only jeopardizes the safety of foreign missions but also calls into question Israel’s adherence to international law and its relationship with the global community. As investigations begin, the international community is demanding not just answers—but change.
