On May 21, 2025, Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin Refugee Camp in the occupied West Bank – prompting widespread international condemnation and widespread international outrage. The delegation consisted of officials from over 30 nations – such as UK, France, Italy, Ireland Canada and China- and was on an official mission organized by Palestinian Authority to assess humanitarian conditions there. The Guardian +8 YouTube +8 Al Jazeera +8 [The Guardian/YouTube +AlJazeera). [The Guardian +10]. Al Jazeera +8 The Guardian +10 According to Israel Defense Forces (IDF), diplomats deviated from an approved route and entered an unauthorized area, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots in an effort to redirect them back along their intended course. IDF expressed regret over this incident and initiated an internal probe. Time +5 The Times of India +5 BBC +5. At the scene of an attack near Israel-Lebanon border crossings in Afrin, video footage shows diplomats fleeing in fear from gunfire that erupts nearby, prompting a diplomatic outrage among European countries such as France and Italy; French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described it as unacceptable, with Ireland’s Foreign Minister Simon Harris labelling the event completely unacceptable and noting two Irish diplomats were among those targeted – according to Al Jazeera, The Irish Sun, Times of India +4 plus 4 +4 plus 4 from The Irish Sun +4 and Times +4 Primari Time +4 Time +4 Reuters +4 The Palestinian Authority condemned Israel’s shooting as a deliberate attack against an accredited diplomatic mission and an egregious violation of international law, calling for accountability from them for what it described as an act of aggression against peaceful observers. The Foreign Ministry further requested international support against Israel as well. Cadena SER This incident comes amid escalated tensions in the region. Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties and displacement; over 53,000 Palestinians have been reported killed since they began. Humanitarian organizations report severe restrictions to aid access, compounding an already dire crisis situation. The Guardian (+1). The Times International leaders have expressed deepening alarm at the lack of protection afforded diplomatic missions and humanitarian workers in conflict zones. EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, stressed the need for accountability while calling for an investigation of Jenin incident. Time The Irish Sun As events develop, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring events closely and has strongly advised all parties involved to show restraint and prioritise civilian and diplomatic personnel safety.
