On May 21, 2025, Israeli military forces fired warning shots at a group of European and Arab diplomats visiting the area near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The delegation, which included representatives from over 20 countries such as the UK, France, and Canada, was on an official mission to assess the humanitarian conditions in the area.
The Palestinian Authority labeled the incident a “deliberate and unlawful act,” releasing video evidence showing soldiers firing as the diplomats retreated from a blocked road.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge as International Leaders Demand Answers and Accountability from Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the visit had been pre-coordinated but claimed the delegation deviated from the approved route, entering an unauthorized zone. According to the IDF, soldiers fired warning shots to deter the group from proceeding further.
However, the Palestinian Authority countered this, stating the group waited for over 15 minutes at the gate and had properly announced the visit ten days earlier. UN officials criticized the IDF’s response, describing it as an example of Israel’s excessive and dangerous use of force against civilians.
Israel Faces Global Outrage After Warning Shots Fired at Diplomatic Delegation Near JeninThe incident triggered a strong diplomatic backlash. Several countries—including Italy, France, Spain, and Canada—summoned Israeli ambassadors to demand explanations and express their condemnation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed that threats to diplomats were unacceptable and called for accountability. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined the chorus, demanding a full and immediate explanation and labeling the shooting “totally unacceptable.”
Middle Eastern Nations Join Global Calls Demanding Accountability and Justice for Diplomatic Attack
In addition to European responses, Middle Eastern countries like Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar issued strong condemnations. Turkey’s foreign ministry emphasized that targeting diplomats represents a serious violation of international norms and threatens diplomatic relations globally. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen reiterated that firing on civilians, including those under diplomatic protection, cannot be justified under any circumstances, even in conflict zones.
The overwhelming international reaction underscores the seriousness of the incident. There is a growing demand for Israel to conduct a transparent investigation and hold those responsible accountable. Many see this as part of a broader pattern of Israel’s use of force in the West Bank and Gaza, often without adequate regard for international law. The situation has heightened scrutiny of Israel’s military conduct and strained its diplomatic relations amid an already tense regional climate.
