The Israeli army defended its action, stating that it fired “warning shots” as the foreign dignitaries, representing the European Union, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China, veered off a pre-agreed path.
“Israeli soldiers on duty in the area fired warning shots to keep the diplomats at a distance,” claimed Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
No casualties were reported in the incident.
Here are the reactions of political leaders to the incident:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
The Israeli ambassador has been called to explain the incident to the Canadian Foreign Minister. We expect a thorough investigation and prompt explanations. Such acts are completely intolerable and among many worrying incidents in the region.
UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Hamish Falconer
The events in Jenin today are deplorable. I’ve spoken to our affected diplomats. Civilians should always be safeguarded, and diplomats must be able to conduct their duties. A comprehensive investigation is required, and accountability for those responsible.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin
I am deeply disturbed and outraged that Israeli forces today opened fire on a group of diplomats in Jenin. Fortunately, no one was harmed.
Without reservation, I condemn this aggressive and violent action. Such behavior must never be considered normal.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
We demand that Israel immediately provide clarity on the incident. Threats against diplomats are unacceptably.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp
Diplomats must be allowed to perform their jobs, and any intimidation is inadmissible. I contacted the Dutch representative in the Palestinian territories and our ambassador in Israel; relief was expressed that the delegation was unharmed. We reject the shooting, have requested explanation from the Israeli authorities, and are considering further measures.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot
A visit involving a French diplomat in Jenin was targeted by Israeli soldiers. This is not acceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be called to account for this. Full support is provided to our on-site agents and their exceptional work under challenging conditions.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen
This incident is profoundly serious and deplorable. I have spoken with the Finnish diplomat present. We insist that Israel provides an explanation of the incident.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
It is despicable for Israel to fire shots near foreign diplomats. This is completely out of place and entirely condemnable.
The Danish envoy in Ramallah was among the diplomats and is thankfully safe. In view of the gravity of the incident, I urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Israeli ambassador to provide a formal explanation.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot
I was disturbed to learn of the Israeli military opening fire on 20 diplomats today, including a Belgian colleague. He is thankfully unhurt. These diplomats were on an official visit to Jenin, coordinated with the Israeli army, in a convoy of 20 easily identifiable vehicles. Belgium expects a convincing explanation from Israel.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide
I condemn the Israeli military’s attack on a group of diplomats in Jenin. Diplomatic and consular personnel enjoy special status under international law and must be protected. These actions constitute a clear infringement of international law and are utterly reprehensible.
Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Portugal deplores the Israeli army’s attack on the Jenin refugee camp diplomatic delegation, West Bank. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs … expressed its solidarity with the Portuguese ambassador who was part of the team and will take the necessary diplomatic measures.
Germany’s Federal Foreign Office
The Federal Foreign Office strongly condemns this unprovoked attack. We are fortunate that more severe consequences did not occur.
The group was traveling in the West Bank as part of its diplomatic work and in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli army. The role of diplomats as independent observers is vital and in no way represents a threat to Israeli security interests.
The Israeli government is obligated to investigate the circumstances and respect diplomats’ inviolability.
Slovenia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Slovenia, along with its EU partners, condemns the gunfire that threatened foreign diplomats at Jenin camp.
Such intimidation breaches the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations and is grossly improper. We call for a prompt, transparent Israeli investigation, full accountability, and guarantees of secure access for all diplomatic missions.
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
This incident is a blatant violation of international law and humanitarian principles, and an act that breaches all diplomacy conventions.
The Ministry’s official spokesperson, Ambassador Dr Sufyan Qudah, affirmed the kingdom’s total rejection and strong condemnation of this targeting, which constitutes a breach of diplomatic accords and particularly the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli forces for firing on an international diplomatic delegation during its visit to the Jenin refugee camp in occupied West Bank. This act is considered a violation of international laws, conventions, and diplomatic norms.
Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
We strongly condemn the shooting by Israeli soldiers on a group of diplomats, including an official from the Turkish Consulate General in Jerusalem, during their visit to the city of Jenin.
This attack, threatening diplomats’ lives, is another demonstration of Israel’s systematic disregard for international law and human rights. Targeting of diplomats is a grave threat not only to individual safety but also the mutual respect and trust that form the basis of inter-state relations.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Arab Republic of Egypt reiterates its complete rejection of this incident, which violates all diplomatic practices, and encourages the Israeli party to clarify the context of this incident.
Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Israeli ambassador in Montevideo to clarify the incident.
Uruguay calls on the Israeli government to investigate this incident and take necessary measures to ensure the protection and operation of diplomatic personnel accredited to the State of Palestine.
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Israeli military claimed that the delegation entered an ‘unauthorized area’. However, no such incursion was recorded, nor any officer approaching to warn the delegation verbally in a timely manner.
This incident contravenes the provisions of Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which asserts the inviolability of diplomatic agents. All States Parties to the Convention, including Israel, are required to uphold it.
The Ministry will request that the Israeli embassy in Mexico provide the necessary clarifications.
