JENIN: Several nations that have backed Israel voiced outrage Wednesday after Israeli troops fired what they called “warning shots“ as foreign diplomats visited the occupied West Bank.
AFP footage from Jenin -- a frequent target of Israeli military raids -- showed the delegation and accompanying journalists running for cover as shots were heard.
The Israeli military said the diplomatic convoy strayed from the approved route and entered a restricted zone.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman called the incident “unacceptable”.
“These diplomats, including UN personnel, were fired at, warning shots or whatever... which is unacceptable.”
Several countries that had representatives in the group voiced outrage and demanded an investigation.
Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay summoned Israel's ambassadors or said they would raise the issue directly.
Carney added that Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand has summoned Israel's ambassador to Ottawa.
Turkey’s foreign ministry said: “This attack must be investigated without delay and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”
“It has given the diplomatic delegation an impression of the life the Palestinian people are living,“ he said.
Japan’s government confirmed Thursday that its diplomatic staff participated, adding that it “deeply regrets” the incident.
'Painful' Gaza plight
A two-month Israeli aid blockade on Gaza has been partially eased this week.
Israel has faced massive pressure, including from its allies, to halt its intensified offensive and allow aid into Gaza.
Sweden said it would press the EU to impose sanctions on Israeli ministers, while Britain suspended free-trade negotiations with Israel and summoned the Israeli ambassador.
Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Gaza's health ministry said at least 3,509 people have been killed since Israel ended a ceasefire and resumed strikes on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,655, mostly civilians.
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