Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a European Union diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, sparking concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the group deviated from a pre-approved route during their tour of the flashpoint city.
"The delegation entered an unauthorized area despite prior coordination," an IDF spokesperson said, confirming soldiers discharged warning shots as a precaution. No injuries were reported, with authorities expressing regret over the incident.
The EU delegation had been assessing humanitarian conditions in Jenin, a frequent site of Israeli military operations. While details remain disputed, the episode highlights growing friction between international observers and security forces in the West Bank. Analysts note such incidents could complicate diplomatic efforts to address ongoing violence in Palestinian territories.
