22
May
May
ISRAELI FORCES FIRE AT INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATS IN OCCUPIED WEST BANK
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CapitalTimesNews / 3 weeks
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- 2 min read
Israeli forces fired shots at a delegation of international diplomats visiting the Jenin Refugee Camp in the Occupied West Bank on Wednesday. The diplomats, representing over 20 countries, including the European Union, Sri Lanka, and Jordan, were on an official visit to assess the humanitarian situation in the city. According to the Israeli military, the shots were “warning shots” fired after the diplomats deviated from the approved route. “The IDF regrets the inconvenience caused,” the military statement said, adding that it began reviewing the incident once it was clarified that the individuals were part of a diplomatic delegation. The incident drew international condemnation, with several countries summoning Israeli envoys to demand an explanation. Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris said, “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. This is completely unacceptable and I condemn it in the strongest terms.” UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese noted that the shooting is typical of the Israeli army’s behavior. “The astonishment of so many upon realizing that the Israeli army makes no exceptions even for international diplomats and politicians, suggests they may not yet fully grasp the nature of both the Israeli army and the context in the occupied Palestinian Territories,” she said. The diplomats’ visit aimed to assess the humanitarian situation in Jenin, which has been under Israeli siege for several months. The city is a birthplace and epicenter of Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation, declared illegal by the International Criminal Court. Countries that have summoned Israeli envoys include France, Spain, and Italy. The incident comes amid increased pressure on Israel to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with countries like the UK suspending trade talks with Israel and imposing sanctions on settlement entities in the occupied West Bank.