The UK government is urging Israel to investigate an incident where Israeli troops fired warning shots as a group of diplomats, including British officials, traveled through the West Bank. This event took place in Jenin on Wednesday and involved diplomats from several countries, including Ireland, France, Germany, and Turkey.
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation from the involved nations. Two British diplomats were part of a larger group of about 20 people who were confirmed safe after the incident. Footage from the scene shows the delegation fleeing as gunfire erupted.
Hamish Falconer, a minister in the UK Foreign Office, described the situation as "unacceptable." He emphasized the need for civilians to be protected and for diplomats to carry out their work without fear. Falconer called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In response to the shooting, the UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced sanctions targeting a prominent Israeli settler leader and several organizations accused of supporting violence against Palestinians. These measures come amid increasing tensions following Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have faced criticism from Western nations.
The shooting occurred just a day after the UK decided to halt discussions on a trade deal with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its dissatisfaction with the situation in Gaza. The Israeli military stated that the diplomats had strayed from their approved route, prompting soldiers to fire warning shots.
Other countries involved in the delegation also reacted strongly. Ireland’s deputy premier condemned the shooting, while France’s foreign minister planned to summon the Israeli ambassador for discussions. Turkey’s foreign ministry criticized the incident as a sign of Israel’s disregard for international law.
Germany’s foreign office characterized the gunfire as "unprovoked" and expressed relief that no one was harmed. The Israeli Defense Forces later apologized for the incident and promised to contact the countries involved.
In a broader context, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with hospitals struggling to function amid ongoing military operations. The UK has announced plans to send £4 million in aid to Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as many Palestinians face starvation.
The diplomatic tensions and military actions underscore the ongoing conflict in the region, with calls for accountability and a resolution to the humanitarian crisis growing louder from the international community.