Video: Outrage After Israeli Forces Fired Live Bullets at European Diplomatic Delegation in Jenin
Occupied West Bank (Quds News Network)- Israeli forces opened fire on a European diplomatic delegation Wednesday at the entrance of Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The diplomats were visiting the camp to assess the humanitarian crisis and talk to residents.
Israeli soldiers stationed near the eastern entrance of the camp fired live bullets directly and heavily at the group. Journalists accompanying the delegation were also targeted. The diplomats were standing near an iron gate Israel installed at the camp’s entrance.
WATCH: Israeli occupation forces open fire directly at an international delegation visiting Jenin refugee camp, currently under a tight Israeli military siege, which included over 25 EU and Arab ambassadors and diplomats. pic.twitter.com/g9ThTW1lmK
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 21, 2025
The delegation included ambassadors and consuls from Arab and European countries. They had visited the Jenin Governorate earlier in the day. The governor briefed them on the economic collapse in the city, the destruction of infrastructure, and the suffering of 22,000 Palestinians expelled from the refugee camp.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack. In a statement, it called the shooting a “grave and blatant violation of international law and diplomatic norms,” specifically citing the Vienna Convention of 1961. The ministry said the attack showed Israel’s “systematic contempt” for international law and Palestinian sovereignty.
The ministry held the Israeli government fully responsible and urged countries whose diplomats were targeted to respond with clear positions and concrete measures. It also renewed its demand for international protection for Palestinians and foreign diplomats working in Palestine.
The Israeli military, quoted by Army Radio, claimed the delegation entered a restricted area. A military spokesperson said soldiers fired “warning shots” and expressed “regret for the inconvenience.” No injuries were reported.
Eyewitnesses told Al Jazeera that two Israeli soldiers approached the delegation and opened fire directly. The group included 25 diplomats from EU and Arab states, the UN’s refugee agency (UNRWA), and representatives from the EU. The incident forced the immediate cancellation of the visit.
European reactions followed swiftly. Italy and France summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their capitals. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded a full explanation, calling the incident “unacceptable.” France echoed the condemnation, confirming that French diplomats were part of the targeted group.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also denounced the shooting. Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, said he was “shocked.” He noted that the visit had been coordinated in advance with Israeli forces and involved clearly marked diplomatic vehicles.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris also expressed outrage. Two Irish diplomats were in the group. Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Kravik said that diplomats must be protected and Israel should respect their immunity.
Hamas called the incident a deliberate violation of international law and said it reflects Israel’s disregard for diplomatic norms.
Since January, the Israeli military has intensified its operations in Jenin and surrounding areas. The ongoing offensive has killed dozens of Palestinians, displaced over 22,000 residents, and destroyed more than 600 homes.
The escalation in the West Bank comes as Israel continues its genocide in Gaza. Since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 969 Palestinians in the West Bank, wounded about 7,000, and kidnapped more than 17,000, according to Palestinian data.
