EU Demands Probe After IDF Fires Warning Shots Near Foreign Diplomats in Jenin

Daily Tribune

23-05-2025

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on Israel to launch a full investigation after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops fired warning shots near a delegation of foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during an official visit organized by the Palestinian Authority to assess humanitarian conditions in the camp, which has been a flashpoint amid ongoing Israeli military operations targeting Palestinian militants. According to the Israeli military, the diplomats allegedly 'deviated from the approved route,' prompting soldiers to fire warning shots to push them back from a sensitive area.
'I've heard about the incident in Jenin today where IDF troops fired warning shots—still, shots—at a group of diplomats approaching the refugee camp,' said Kallas. 'Any threats to diplomats' lives are unacceptable. As Israel is a signatory to the Vienna Convention, it has the obligation to guarantee the security of all foreign diplomats. This is important.'
No injuries were reported in the incident, though video footage showed diplomats ducking and taking cover as multiple shots rang out near the entrance of the camp shortly before 2 p.m. An unnamed aid worker on site confirmed that the origin of the gunfire was unclear.
In a statement, the Israeli military expressed regret, noting that while the visit had been approved, the delegation 'deviated from the authorized route,' and that a local commander was reviewing the incident. 'The IDF regrets the inconvenience caused and will be in contact with all the relevant countries involved,' the statement added.
The delegation included representatives from several countries, including Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Jordan, and Egypt. The visit came amid heightened tensions in Jenin, where Israeli military operations have displaced tens of thousands of residents since early this year.
Reaction from European officials was swift. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on social media platform X that he has summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome to provide official clarifications. Portugal's Foreign Ministry also expressed support for its ambassador present at the scene and vowed to take 'appropriate diplomatic measures.' French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the incident 'unacceptable' and announced that Israel's ambassador to France would be summoned for an explanation.
'Full support to our agents on the ground and their remarkable work under difficult conditions,' Barrot wrote on X.
The shooting incident comes just a day after EU foreign policy chief Kallas announced a review of the bloc's trade and cooperation agreement with Israel, citing concern over the scale and impact of Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza.
As diplomatic fallout intensifies, the incident underscores growing international concerns over Israel's military actions and their broader implications for regional stability and international norms.