On Wednesday, footage showed Israeli troops firing shots at a group of 25 foreign diplomats visiting Jenin in the Israel-occupied West Bank, causing a wave of outrage and calls from leaders around the world. The delegation consisted of diplomats and ambassadors from 31 countries, including Italy, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, China, Russia and the UK. The group was on an official mission organised by the Palestinian Authority to witness the humanitarian situation in the region. The delegation had approved the visit and had come from an approved route, yet Israeli soldiers fired shots to distance them from the area.
The firing was seen as unprovoked, and the delegation members thought that it was uncalled for. The Canadian, French, British and other European ministers summoned the Israeli ministers to explain the “unacceptable” incident, which will fuel already growing international anger and concern as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza. Canada and Turkey demanded an investigation into what happened. “We expect an immediate explanation of what happened. It’s totally unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told a press conference. Meanwhile, a UN Spokesperson said that it is clear that diplomats should never have been shot at or attacked in any shape or form, and that their safety must be respected at all times.
A New Wave of Violations
Post the ceasefire on January 19, Israel has assaulted tens of thousands of Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank, resulting in the biggest displacement in years.
Israel has also increased its attacks in the Gaza Strip over the past months. In a recent conference, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that it will control “all of Gaza” after the latest offensive. Hundreds of innocent Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in relentless Israeli bombardments across Gaza in recent days. On top of that, starvation takes hold as only a small number of aid trucks are allowed in with the current blockade in place.
Is there a Possibility for a Ceasefire?
Netanyahu also laid out a few conditions for ending the genocide in Gaza. These include:
- Release of all captives
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Exile of its leadership
- Possibility of carrying out Donald Trump’s Plan
What is Donald Trump’s Plan?
In February, United States President Donald Trump proposed a plan that would expel the Palestinians from Gaza. He said that the US should run Gaza and transform the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” After Netanyahu mentioned Trump’s plan as one of his conditions to stop the genocide, many nations called it ethnic cleansing.
The shots on the foreign delegations have highlighted just how worse things are in Palestine and the West Bank. It has forced nations throughout the world to ponder that if this can happen to diplomats, and what the Israeli troops are doing to the Palestinians.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates