Diplomats were visiting Jenin when Israeli soldiers opened fire. / Jenin Palestinian Territories/Mohammad Ateeq/AFPTV/AFP
The Israeli military confirmed it had fired close to a diplomatic delegation, after the group allegedly deviated from an approved route in the West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday.
Israel's military said it "regretted" the inconvenience caused after soldiers opened fire, close to where the group of over 30 individuals had gathered. The diplomats were reportedly on a fact finding mission organised by the Palestinian Authority to see the impact of Israel's ongoing military operation on the contested territory.
The party included individuals from 25 nations, including the EU, the UK and Middle Eastern states, along with China, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico, Canada, India, Sri Lanka and others. Palestinian news agencies claim the group, of diplomats, consuls and ambassadors, was approaching the entrance to a refugee camp entrance when the shots rang out.
EU's Kallas said any threats on diplomat lives are 'unacceptable'. /Brussels/ AFP
Deviation of delegation
Footage shared on social media shows people including diplomatic staff and media workers running for cover as gunfire was heard in the distance. The Israeli army said warning shots were fired after the delegation deviated from a pre-arranged route in an active combat zone.
The Israeli Defense Forces said the group "entered an area where they were not authorised to be" and that soldiers had acted "to distance them away." But the Palestinian Authority accused troops of "deliberately" targeting the delegation, accusing Israel of a violation of international law.
While no injuries were reported, the reaction has been high critical. Italy said Israel's ambassador in Rome was summoned to the foreign ministry for an explanation.
France also said it was demanding a response from the Israeli embassy in Paris, calling the incident "unacceptable." Spain said it "strongly condemns" the actions of the IDF troops in Jenin, adding "we are in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response."
The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: "We definitely call on Israel to investigate this incident and also held those accountable who are responsible for this and any threats on diplomats' lives."