The created international anger after an incident in which Israeli soldiers shot and wounded foreign diplomats. The diplomats were visiting the West Bank on official business at the time. The attack occurred near the surrounded Jenin refugee camp. Delegations from more than 20 countries were present to assess the growing humanitarian crisis. After the shooting, many countries around the world criticized Israel’s actions and demanded accountability.
José Manuel Albares, the Foreign Minister of Spain, declared that his government had previously summoned the ambassador of Israel in Madrid. They needed to process the incident themselves first. At the same time, Italy’s foreign ministry has summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome for formal clarification over the shooting. Finland’s Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, announced her country’s intention to summon the Israeli ambassador in light of the events.
The Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the shooting. They described it as a “deliberate and unlawful act” which put the lives of diplomats at risk. They blamed the Israeli government unconditionally for what they called an “imperialist, racist, criminal assault.” The ministry added that they would not escape punishment for such acts.
Witness accounts indicated that at least seven shots were heard on video recordings of the incident. The Israeli military justified this incident by asserting that IDF soldiers had fired warning shots to prevent the diplomats from crossing into a restricted zone. This claim has been heavily questioned. Roland Friedrich, director of the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, in the West Bank, had the gall to dispute the IDF’s version of events.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, criticized the attack, stating, “The targeting of diplomats constitutes a grave threat not only to individual safety but to the mutual respect and trust that form the foundation of inter-state relations.” Currently, Congresswoman Johnson has demanded an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
The shooting triggered immediate outrage from foreign ministries worldwide. Turkey’s foreign ministry was clear and strong in its condemnation of the shooting. They claimed that this move demonstrates a coordinated attack on international law and human rights. They stated, “This attack, which endangered the lives of diplomats, is yet another demonstration of Israel’s systematic disregard for international law and human rights.”
Elina Valtonen reinforced this sentiment during an interview with CNN, emphasizing that “any deviation of any route – it is not an excuse” for such actions. She reiterated that it is never permissible to open fire against civilians under any conditions. This rule plays an important role when civilians are placed under diplomatic protection.
Spain, Italy and Finland are not the only ones opposing the additional money. Foreign ministries from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar have further expressed their strong and categorical condemnation of this incident. Ministerial officials from across Europe—including Ireland, Belgium, Slovenia, and Portugal—were unified in their condemnation following the shooting. Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom signed this denunciation.
Witnesses say that, in fact, one member of the delegation told the rest to “stay near the wall.” This ominous alert was issued only minutes before gunfire started. This state of affairs is a prescription for confusion and chaos. It should spur debate about safety protocols for every diplomatic mission in dangerous, unstable areas around the world.
