Israeli troops fired warning shots near a diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, sparking condemnation from Palestinian authorities. The incident occurred after the group reportedly deviated from an approved route during a tour of the volatile city.
The Incident
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said soldiers fired warning shots when the delegation entered "an unauthorized area." The military emphasized no injuries occurred but expressed regret for "the inconvenience caused." Details about the delegation's nationality or purpose were not disclosed.
Regional Tensions
The Palestinian Authority swiftly condemned the use of live fire, calling it a dangerous escalation. Jenin – a frequent flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian clashes – has seen intensified military operations in recent months. Analysts note such incidents risk complicating international diplomatic engagements in the region.
This event underscores the challenges of conducting foreign missions in conflict zones, particularly as global interest in West Bank developments grows amid ongoing peace process discussions.
