'Unacceptable,' foreign ministries summon Israeli ambassadors over IDF firing near diplomats

The IDF fired warning shots near a delegation of 25 people, after they entered an unapproved area in order 'to distance them.'

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS
Updated: MAY 21, 2025 22:09
IDF troops being interviewed in Jenin, following IDF operations in the city, January 27, 2025. (photo credit: Chen Shimmel)
IDF troops being interviewed in Jenin, following IDF operations in the city, January 27, 2025.
(photo credit: Chen Shimmel)

International outrage on Wednesday followed the news of IDF soldiers firing warning shots at a delegation of some 25 Arab and European diplomats in Jenin. Several foreign ministries summoned their Israeli ambassadors to discuss the incident.

According to reports, the diplomats were taking a tour of Jenin when they suddenly deviated from a previously coordinated and agreed-upon route. This resulted in IDF soldiers firing into the air as a warning to steer clear of the zone that the officials began to enter. There were no casualties.

The convoy included diplomats from Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France, the UK, India, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka, the EU, Turkey, and journalists.

“The delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorized to be in,” so soldiers fired “warning shots to distance them from that zone,” the IDF said.

UK wants full investigation

"Today’s events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected. Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable," the UK's Middle East and North Africa Minister Hamish Falconer posted on X. 

Germany condemns the 'unprovoked' action

The German Foreign Ministry wrote on X/Twitter: “The IDF fired shots today in the direction of a registered diplomatic delegation, including at a German diplomat. We strongly condemn this unprovoked shelling.”

'Shocked and appalled' 

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris wrote on X: “I am shocked and appalled at reports that the IDF fired shots in the vicinity of a visit to Jenin today by a group of diplomats, including two Irish diplomats based in Ramallah. Fortunately, no one was hurt. This is completely unacceptable and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”

'Endangered lives,' writes Turkey MFA

The Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry said: “This attack, which endangered the lives of diplomats, is yet another demonstration of Israel’s systematic disregard for international law and human rights.”

“The targeting of diplomats constitutes a graver threat not only to individual safety but also to mutual respect and trust that form the foundation of interstate relations,” it said. “The attack must be investigated without delay, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

'Unacceptable,' says French Foreign Ministry

French Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wrote on X: “This is unacceptable.” France would summon the Israeli ambassador for an explanation, he said.

Israeli security forces seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, February 1, 2025 (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)
Israeli security forces seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin, February 1, 2025 (credit: NASSER ISHTAYEH/FLASH90)

Violation of international humanitarian law, says Jordan

The Jordanian Foreign Affairs Ministry said the shooting was “a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, and a crime that contravenes all diplomatic norms.” It condemned the event “in the strongest terms,” it wrote on X.

Italy summons Israel's ambassador

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel’s ambassador to Italy would be summoned to explain the incident.

A group of foreign diplomats from numerous countries, including Italy, had fled for cover during a visit to Jenin after Israeli troops fired in the air to warn them away, Italian media outlets reported.

Belgium demands 'convincing explanation'

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot wrote on X: “I was shocked to hear that the Israeli army opened fire today on about twenty diplomats, including a Belgian colleague. Luckily, he’s okay. These diplomats were on an official visit to Jenin, coordinated with the Israeli army, in a convoy of about twenty recognizable vehicles. Belgium is asking Israel for a convincing explanation.”

EU chief calls for investigation 

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said: “We definitely call on Israel to investigate this incident and also hold those who are responsible for this and any threats on diplomats’ lives accountable.”

“Any threats on diplomats’ lives are unacceptable,” she told reporters in Brussels, Agence France-Presse reported.

Spain strongly condemns

The Spanish Foreign Ministry said a Spaniard who was among the group of diplomats was not hurt.

“We strongly condemn the incident, and we are in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response to what occurred,” it said.

Portugal to take diplomatic measures

The Portuguese Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned “the attack” on the delegation, which included the Portuguese ambassador.

Portugal would take the appropriate diplomatic measures, it said in a post on X.

Actions violate international law, Palestinian Authority says 

The Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Ministry said: “The delegation was undertaking an official mission to observe and assess the humanitarian situation and document the ongoing violations perpetrated by Israel.” The IDF’s actions were a violation of international law, it said.



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