Israeli Forces Fire Warning Shots Near Diplomats in West Bank Amid International Criticism

Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a diplomatic delegation visiting the Jenin area in the occupied West Bank, prompting widespread condemnation from European countries, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority. The Israeli military stated that the delegation deviated from the approved route, entering a restricted military area, leading soldiers to fire warning shots to disperse them, with no injuries reported. Diplomats from numerous countries, including members of the EU, Arab nations, and others, were present to assess the humanitarian situation in Jenin, which has been under an extended Israeli military campaign. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and several foreign ministers called for official investigations and accountability, emphasizing the violation of diplomatic norms and security obligations under the Vienna Convention. The incident has heightened international pressure on Israel amid ongoing conflict and blockade conditions in Gaza, with calls to review EU-Israel relations and condemnations labeling the actions as unacceptable and a threat to diplomats' lives. Israel's apology for the "inconvenience" was widely deemed insufficient by diplomats and governments, who are coordinating responses to the incident.