Multiple governments have condemned Israel after reports emerged that Israeli forces fired at diplomats during a visit to the occupied West Bank on May 22, 2025. The incident, which reportedly involved European and Arab diplomats, has sparked international outrage and raised questions over Israel’s conduct in Palestinian territories during heightened tensions in the region.

According to Palestinian officials, Israeli forces opened fire near a convoy of diplomats visiting the village of Al-Mughayyir, where they had come to observe the aftermath of recent settler violence. The diplomats were reportedly forced to seek cover, though no casualties were reported.

“This is a flagrant violation of international norms and the sanctity of diplomatic missions,” said Jordan’s Foreign Ministry, calling for a full investigation and accountability.

Targeting Diplomats or Mistaken Fire?

While the details remain disputed, video footage circulated by Palestinian sources appears to show Israeli military vehicles firing in close proximity to a group of civilians and vehicles marked with diplomatic credentials. European diplomats involved in the visit described the experience as “terrifying” and “deliberately intimidating.”

Israel’s military has not issued a full statement but has reportedly denied that the convoy was knowingly targeted. A preliminary military account suggests that troops were responding to “suspicious activity” in the area and that proper identification of the convoy was not immediately established.

“There was no intent to fire upon diplomatic personnel,” said one Israeli security source. “The area is highly volatile and frequently used by armed militants.”

Widespread International Condemnation

The reaction from foreign capitals has been swift. In addition to Jordan, France, Spain, Belgium, and Egypt issued formal protests, summoning Israeli ambassadors and calling the incident an unacceptable breach of diplomatic protocol.

The European Union issued a strong statement demanding an independent investigation, adding that “diplomatic missions must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of violence or obstruction.”

“We were there to bear witness to settler violence — and we were nearly shot at,” said one anonymous EU diplomat. “It sends a chilling message.”

🇵🇸 Broader Context of Escalation

The incident comes as violence surges in the occupied West Bank, where tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinians have escalated dramatically in recent weeks. Settler attacks have displaced several Palestinian communities, while Israeli military raids continue to trigger clashes and arrests.

The visit by diplomats was part of an effort to document attacks by Israeli settlers, which have drawn criticism even from Israel’s closest allies. Human rights organizations accuse Israeli authorities of failing to prevent or prosecute settler violence.

“Instead of protecting civilians and allowing international oversight, the Israeli army is now threatening foreign observers,” said Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian politician.

Israel Under Growing Diplomatic Pressure

This latest controversy adds to mounting international pressure on Israel, which is already facing calls for accountability over its military campaign in Gaza. The United Nations, Red Cross, and other bodies have repeatedly called on Israel to respect international law, especially in relation to the treatment of civilians and international personnel in occupied territories.

“This is not an isolated incident — it is part of a disturbing pattern,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

What Happens Next?

• The EU and UN are reportedly considering formal diplomatic measures, including censures and reviews of cooperation agreements.
  
• Israel may face calls at the UN Security Council for transparency and disciplinary action.
  
• Human rights groups are preparing legal documentation in case the incident qualifies as a breach of the Vienna Convention.
  
• Additional diplomatic visits to the West Bank may be suspended or conducted with enhanced security.

As tensions continue to spiral across the Palestinian territories, this incident underscores growing fears that even diplomatic observers are no longer safe, raising new alarms over Israel’s rules of engagement and its accountability to the international community.

Source; Al Jazeera