The IDF has accused the international delegation of straying from an approved route in the West Bank

Israeli soldiers fired shots near a group of foreign diplomats visiting the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, prompting representatives from over 20 countries and accompanying journalists to scramble for cover, according to videos from the scene.

The tour, organized by the Palestinian Authority, included delegates from dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, Mexico, Egypt, and others. No injuries were reported, but video footage showed diplomats fleeing in panic as gunfire erupted around 2pm local time.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the delegation had deviated from its pre-approved route and entered an unauthorized area, which they described as an "active combat zone."

"According to an initial inquiry, the delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorized to be. IDF soldiers operating in the area fired warning shots to distance them," the IDF said, expressing regret for the "inconvenience caused."

The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry described the shooting as a violation of international law, asserting that the delegation was on an official mission to assess humanitarian conditions amid growing international criticism of Israel's military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.

International leaders swiftly condemned the incident. France and Italy summoned Israeli ambassadors for explanations. Ireland's deputy prime minister called the event "completely unacceptable," while Canada demanded a full investigation. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also labeled the act of firing near diplomats "unacceptable" and called for accountability.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said the incident "violates all diplomatic norms," while Türkiye's foreign ministry "strongly condemned" the firing of warning shots at its diplomats.

The Israeli military launched a major operation in the West Bank in January, dubbed 'Iron Wall,' with forces taking control of Jenin and installing metal gates at the entrances to the refugee camp. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated at the time that the goal was to "eradicate terrorism" in the area, amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant later said that IDF troops would remain in the area indefinitely, declaring that "the Jenin refugee camp will not be what it was."

(RT.com)