Israeli Gunfire at Diplomats in the West Bank: France Summons Israeli Ambassador as International Outrage Grows

A serious diplomatic incident is straining relations between Israel and several European nations. On Wednesday, May 21, France, Italy, and Spain announced they would summon the Israeli ambassadors in their respective countries after Israeli soldiers opened fire on a diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin, in the northern occupied West Bank. A French official was among those targeted.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the incident as “unacceptable” on X (formerly Twitter) and confirmed that Israel’s ambassador in Paris would be summoned. The Israeli military acknowledged firing warning shots, claiming the diplomats had “strayed from the approved route” and entered a restricted area. The IDF expressed “regret for the inconvenience caused” and said it would speak with the diplomats involved.

The condemnation was swift and widespread. Ireland said it was “shocked and appalled,” while Egypt demanded a full explanation. The Palestinian Authority denounced the incident as a “heinous crime” and accused Israeli forces of firing “live bullets.”

Mounting Tensions Around Gaza

The shooting incident comes amid rising diplomatic tensions. Israel is already under intense criticism for severely limiting humanitarian aid into Gaza, a territory ravaged by over 19 months of war. Despite a partial easing of the blockade, only a few hundred aid trucks have been allowed in—an amount that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) called “woefully inadequate.” The organization also accused Israel of striking medical facilities.

The European Union is stepping up pressure as well. Seventeen member states, including France, have called for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement based on human rights concerns. Israel has pushed back strongly, accusing the EU of “completely misunderstanding the complex reality” and “encouraging Hamas to hold its position.”

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates announced it had reached an agreement with Israel to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, aimed at feeding around 15,000 civilians and supplying essential baby care products and materials to keep bakeries running.

On the ground, the violence continues unabated. At least 19 people, mostly children according to Palestinian emergency services, were killed overnight in new Israeli airstrikes on Gaza—a tragic addition to an already catastrophic conflict.