Israeli Forces Shoot at European Diplomats in West Bank

MAY 21 2025·Updated MAY 23 2025

Story

Above: Foreign diplomatic delegation visits the Jenin refugee camp and conducts inspections in the region in the West Bank on May 21, 2025. Image credit: Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

Israeli forces shot at a group of European and Western diplomats on Wednesday near the entrance of Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank. The diplomats were on an official mission to observe the humanitarian situation. No one was injured in the shooting.
France 24
Reuters
France, Spain, and Italy said they had summoned the respective Israeli ambassadors to their countries over the incident. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to investigate the shooting and hold those responsible "accountable," adding that it was "unacceptable."
France 24
Timesofisrael
Al Jazeera
Israel's military said that its forces had fired "warning shots," as the group of diplomats allegedly did not follow the approved route that was agreed upon when the tour was coordinated. The military apologized for the incident, saying that it "regrets the inconvenience caused."
Timesofisrael
Meanwhile, the U.N. said on Wednesday that it was unable to deliver aid to Gaza due to route restrictions imposed by Israel, as the trucks would likely be looted. International organizations have increasingly warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine due to Israel's blockade. Israel announced that 100 aid trucks had entered the Strip on Wednesday.
Al Jazeera
ap
Timesofisrael
The U.N. corrected a statement made by U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher on Tuesday regarding 14,000 babies in Gaza facing death over 48 hours, saying that 14,000 babies face severe acute malnutrition in Gaza over the next year.
The Jerusalem Post
Al Jazeera
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday in his first press conference in months that all of Gaza will be under Israel's "security control" by the end of its campaign.
Al Jazeera
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Timesofisrael

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The return to war will not save the hostages. Furthermore, Israel's policy of blocking aid from entering Gaza is creating widespread starvation across the strip. Allowing in a token amount of aid will not significantly improve the humanitarian situation. Indeed, both sides need to make concessions so that the ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.

The New York Times

Pro-Israel narrative

Israel has waited long enough for Hamas to release the hostages and has finally decided that enough is enough. As per the plan laid out by U.S. President Donald Trump, Israel will take control of Gaza and relocate its population for humanitarian purposes, as it would be cruel to force Gazans to live in the ruins of the strip. Furthermore, Israel will allow some aid into Gaza so that civilians get what they need without Hamas' intervention.

The Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

It is quite clear given the statements made by Israeli officials that the decision to allow a small amount of aid into Gaza is a cynical ploy to continue the genocide while preventing international intervention. Israel's goal has been the same since day one: destroy Gaza and its people. Trump, just like Biden, has lied about the war and has fully supported Israel as it continues its genocidal policies.