Jennin: Anger in Europe for Diplomats Fire – Require Explanations from Israel
The condemnation of governments in Europe, but also by the European Union for shooting against diplomats in Jenin, on the West Bank, is unanimous.
They call Israel explanations for the incident and conduct an independent and in -depth investigation.
The incident comes amid increased international pressure on Israel over the military operation in the Gaza Strip and the fact that it does not allow humanitarian aid to enter the civilians.
‘Unacceptable’ any threat
Any threat to diplomats is « unacceptable, » Kaya Callas said of the attack on Jenin. The EU High Representative He added: « We call on Israel to investigate this incident and to make those in charge. »
« We demand immediate clarification from the Israeli government for what happened. The threats against diplomats are unacceptable, « said Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tayyani, posting on X.
He also announced that the Israeli ambassador to Italy was called to ask for « official explanations ».
Ho appena dato disposizione al segretario generale del ministero degli esteri di convocare l’Ambasciatore di israele a roma per avere chiarimenti ufficiali su Quanto accaduto a jenin.
– Antonio Tajani (@antonio_tajani) May 21, 2025
The Spanish Foreign Ministry also condemned the fire from the Israeli army against foreign diplomats. « The ministry is investigating everything that has happened. The Diplomats team involved a Spaniard who is in good health. We are in contact with other countries involved to give a joint response to what has happened, which we strongly condemn, « he said in a statement.
El gobierno de españa condena firmemente la actuación de las fuerzas armadas de israel que han abierto Fuego Hoy Durante la Visita al Campo de refugiados de jenin de una delegión de representantetes Diplomáticos Europeos y españoles.
https://t.co/v7yflszf4c pic.twitter.com/CXR7QEHCMN
– Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, UE Y Coopración (@maecGob) May 21, 2025
The attack was also denounced by Turkey, whose diplomat was involved in the mission.
‘We ask for convincing explanations’
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxim Prevo demanded « convincing explanations » from Israel for the event in Jenin. Maxim Prevo added that the fires were targeting « about 20 diplomats ». « It’s good, fortunately, » he added, referring to the Belgian diplomat who participated in the mission. « These diplomats paid a formal visit to Jenin, after coordinating with the Israeli army, in a procession of about twenty clearly recognizable vehicles, » he said.
In France, the Foreign Ministry has announced that it is calling for the Israeli ambassador, describing the Israeli soldiers’ fire in Jenin.
Une visite à jénine, à laquelle participait un de nos diplomates, a essuyé des tirs de soldats israéliens. C’est inacceptable. L’Ambassadeur d’i israël sera convoqué pour s’expliquer.
Plein soutien à nos agents sur Place et leur travail remarquable dans des conditions éprouvantes.
-Jean-noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) May 21, 2025
Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Baro, in a post on X, said one of the diplomats was French.
« A team that visited Jenin, in which one of our diplomats participated, received a fire from Israeli soldiers. This is unacceptable. The Israeli ambassador will be called for explanations. We fully support our representatives on the field and their remarkable work, under difficult circumstances, ”he said.
What happened
The Palestinian Authority was organized by a refugee camp in Jenin. According to the Authority’s Foreign Ministry, Israeli soldiers opened fire with a « real fire » against the delegation. Diplomats from China, Turkey, Canada, Japan and Mexico, as well as from many European countries, including France, Britain, Spain, participated in the visit.
The PA Foreign Ministry has released a brief video showing dozens of people, including photographers, near an army checkpoint in Jenin. Two people wearing Israeli army uniforms seem to mark the diplomats group with weapons. Then shootings are heard and the team of diplomats run back to her cars.
The Occupation Forces Opened Heavy Fire from Inside the Jenin Refugee Camp to Intimidate the Diplomatic Delegation that is conducting a Field Tour Around the Camp to Witness the Extent of the Suffiting Endred By the Residents of the Area.
قوات الاحتلال تطلق النار بشكل كثيف من من… pic.twitter.com/qafjqqp0sg
– State of Palestine – MFA (@pmofa) May 21, 2025
The Palestinian Authority condemned the « blatant and serious violation of international law » by the « Israeli occupation forces ».
A diplomat involved in the mission described the incident to Jenin: « It was the last part of the visit and we suddenly heard shots from the refugee camp. They did not fire once or twice. They were like recurring shots. This is crazy. It’s not normal. «
What is Israel about Jenin
The Israeli army acknowledged that they fell shot, but claimed that it was a warning fire. He claimed that the diplomats « misunderstood the approved course and entered an area where they had no authorization to be. » « Israeli soldiers operating in the area threw warning fire to keep them away, » he added. « We are sorry for the inconvenience caused, » he also said.
However, a Western diplomatic official, whose country was represented in the delegation, spoke of « a serious incident in which we will react », according to the Times of Israel. What happened to Jenin « is not just a » hassle « , » he said in response to the Israeli army.
