21.05.2025 16:30
The Israeli army opened fire on an international diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin. The Palestinian Authority described the incident as a "disgusting crime," while Italian Foreign Minister Tajani called on Israel to "immediately provide an explanation." Although there were no casualties in the incident, Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmed ed-Dik stated that Israel fired in order to "intimidate" and "scare."
Israel targeted the delegation during a diplomatic visit to the city of Jenin in the West Bank.
Palestinian Deputy Foreign Minister Dik stated, "Israeli occupation forces opened fire with live ammunition, violating the rules, as the diplomatic delegation, consisting of 35 ambassadors, consuls, and diplomats, arrived at the entrance of the camp."
Dik, who accompanied the delegation, noted that the soldiers fired to "intimidate and suppress" the delegation and to prevent them from entering the camp, which has been under siege since January 21. Dik condemned Israel's gunfire, calling for "an end to Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and for Israel to be held accountable."
THE DELEGATION INCLUDED TURKISH DIPLOMATS
Meanwhile, it was reported that diplomats from Turkey's Consulate General in Jerusalem were also part of the delegation that was fired upon by the Israeli army.
ITALY RESPONDED HARSHLY
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated on the social media platform X, "We call on the Israeli government to immediately explain what happened." Tajani noted that there was an Italian diplomat among those attacked, but that their condition was good.
ISRAELI ARMY DEFENDED ITSELF
On the other hand, a written statement from the Israeli army claimed that the diplomatic delegation entered Jenin in a "coordinated" manner.
The statement suggested that, as part of the coordination, an approved route was provided to the diplomatic delegation and that they were instructed to follow this route due to the area being an active conflict zone.
It was recorded that Israeli soldiers in the area opened warning fire to disperse them, and it was stated that no injuries or material damage were reported.
PALESTINE HAD ANNOUNCED THE VISIT
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had announced that consuls and ambassadors would visit the Jenin Refugee Camp to observe Israel's ongoing attacks.
Since Israel launched an attack on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, there has been an increase in detentions, raids, and attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Since October 7, 2023, 962 Palestinians, including 171 children, have lost their lives in attacks by Israeli soldiers and Israeli settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
During this period, more than 7,000 Palestinians were injured, and 16,400 people were detained.
After the ceasefire reached in Gaza came into effect on January 19, the Israeli army launched an operation named "Iron Wall" in the city of Jenin and the refugee camp located in the northern part of the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, January 21.
The attacks were expanded within a few days to include Tulkarem and Tubas and the refugee camps there.
The Israeli army continues its occupation in the refugee camps of Jenin and Tulkarem.