The Israeli army fired warning shots on Wednesday during a visit by foreign diplomats to the West Bank. At least one Dutch national was among them. All diplomats are unharmed. Several countries are criticizing Israel after the incident.
The Dutch national is an employee of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp says he is “happy” that the diplomats are unharmed. “Diplomats must be able to do their work,” the minister says on X. “Gunfire clearly does not belong there.” Veldkamp says that the Netherlands has asked Israel for clarification and is considering further steps.
The Palestinian Authority says that soldiers “opened heavy fire” from the Jenin refugee camp. Images are circulating on X showing diplomats running away after gunfire.
The Israeli army (IDF) says that the shots were warning shots because the delegation did not follow the agreed route. A spokesperson for the Belgian Foreign Minister says that the delegation did not deviate from that route. According to the Palestinian Authority, the Israelis wanted to intimidate the diplomats. The images can be seen in the video below.
0:40
Israel Fires On Diplomats in the West Bank
Several Countries Criticize Israel
In addition to Dutch nationals, diplomats from Belgium, Spain, China, Turkey, France and Italy were reportedly part of the delegation.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani says on X that “threats against diplomats are unacceptable.” The Israeli ambassador to Italy is being summoned.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot says he is “shocked”. Belgium demands a “convincing explanation”.
EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas is also critical. She calls threats against diplomats “unacceptable”. Kallas: “We call on Israel to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.”
Occupation Since 1967
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. There are rules attached to that occupation. “Israelis are not allowed to live there. Israelis are not allowed to exploit the area and Israelis must treat the residents properly,” Maurits Berger of Leiden University previously told NU.nl.
The jurist and Arabist refers to the many reports that show that the opposite is happening. Israel has been engaged in “a gradual incorporation of the West Bank” for years.