The Daily Star Ireland
A diplomatic incident unfolded in the occupied West Bank when Israeli forces fired warning shots near a European Union delegation that included diplomats from Ireland, Germany, Egypt, and other countries. The delegation was visiting the city of Jenin, a frequent site of Israeli military operations and a stronghold of Palestinian armed factions. No injuries were reported, but the event triggered strong condemnation from multiple European and regional governments.
Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister expressed deep concern, stating that it was unacceptable for Israeli forces to discharge firearms in proximity to an accredited diplomatic group. The incident drew responses from several countries and intensified scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the West Bank and its broader military campaign in Gaza.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout
The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots, claiming the delegation had moved beyond the route that had been previously approved. A statement from the Israel Defense Forces said the group had entered an unauthorized zone and that shots were fired to prevent them from approaching further. The military expressed regret over the disturbance but maintained that the action was taken for security reasons.
Despite these claims, the Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the diplomatic convoy with live fire. EU foreign policy officials also weighed in, calling for accountability and urging the Israeli government to investigate the conduct of its forces. The calls were echoed by several European states.
France announced it would summon the Israeli ambassador to demand clarification, describing the situation as unacceptable. Italy also condemned the event, with its foreign minister asserting that threats toward diplomatic personnel violate international norms. Germany expressed similar disapproval, demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances. Egypt, whose ambassador to Ramallah was part of the delegation, issued a strong statement declaring the incident a breach of diplomatic protocols and demanded an official explanation from Israel.
A political adviser from the Palestinian foreign ministry, who led the delegation, criticized the Israeli army’s actions as reckless, particularly given the purpose of the visit—to assess the humanitarian and infrastructural impact of Israeli operations in the Jenin area.
Eyewitness accounts from diplomats and accompanying officials confirmed the presence of gunfire, reportedly coming from inside the Jenin refugee camp. A European diplomat stated that the group had been visiting the perimeter of the camp alongside the governor of Jenin to survey the damage caused by Israeli military activity. Video footage released by Palestinian authorities appeared to show Israeli soldiers aiming weapons toward the delegation from behind newly erected metal gates at the camp’s eastern entrance. While the video could not be independently verified, it aligns with reports that Israel recently installed security gates at key points around the camp following intensified operations earlier this year.
The Jenin refugee camp has seen large-scale displacement since Israeli forces began their campaign in January. By the end of March, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) estimated that approximately 16,000 people had been forced to flee the area.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza Amid Blockade
The West Bank incident comes as international pressure mounts on Israel over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. After more than two months of a complete aid blockade, Israel announced that 93 aid trucks had been allowed into Gaza. However, humanitarian agencies stated that the volume of aid reaching the territory remains insufficient.
The United Nations confirmed it had finally received clearance to deliver humanitarian assistance, but logistical barriers and ongoing conflict continue to hinder large-scale relief operations. In northern Gaza, displaced civilians are struggling to secure basic necessities. Accounts from the region describe severe food shortages and makeshift meals, with residents grinding dried foods to produce minimal rations.
One displaced woman living in Gaza City recounted how families have been forced to prepare a single daily meal from whatever limited supplies remain. With no aid reaching many districts and limited infrastructure to distribute it, conditions have been described by residents as intolerable.
Overnight strikes in Gaza have added to the toll. At least 19 Palestinians were reportedly killed in the latest round of Israeli attacks, among them an infant only one week old. This escalation follows Israel’s decision to ease the blockade marginally, though international demands for a more sustained and coordinated relief effort continue to grow.
Israel remains under intense scrutiny from both allies and global organizations for its handling of the humanitarian situation and its conduct in occupied territories. The shooting near the diplomatic convoy has further strained Israel’s diplomatic standing and could lead to increased calls for accountability and oversight in its military operations.
