The Israeli army opened fire on a European diplomatic delegation visiting Jenin, West Bank. The delegation included 25 European and Arab ambassadors and diplomats. The Italian Deputy Consul Alessandro Tutino was involved but is unharmed and has returned to Jerusalem.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Tutino was uninjured and back at the consulate. Italian authorities immediately requested explanations from the Israeli government. Tajani stated he spoke with Tutino and demanded Israel clarify the incident, calling threats against diplomats unacceptable.
Tajani, in agreement with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, instructed the Foreign Ministry to summon the Israeli ambassador in Rome for official clarification. He reiterated Italy's commitment to the humanitarian situation, noting 52 Palestinian citizens from Gaza were transferred to Jordan for evacuation to Italy. Tajani urged Israel to halt military operations involving civilians, open crossings for aid, and called for a ceasefire and hostage release.
France also condemned the shooting and summoned the Israeli ambassador. Spain's Foreign Ministry condemned the incident in the West Bank and is investigating, noting a Spanish citizen was present and unharmed. They are coordinating with other involved countries for a joint response, condemning the event strongly.
The Israeli army claimed soldiers fired "warning shots" after the delegation deviated from the authorized route. They stated the delegation entered an unauthorized area and expressed regret for the inconvenience, promising to consult with diplomats. The Palestinian Authority (Anp) claims the Israeli army fired live ammunition at the delegation, including diplomats from China, Japan, Mexico, France, Spain, Netherlands, Romania, and Italy.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry released a video showing Israeli soldiers aiming weapons at the delegation, condemning the act as a deliberate targeting of diplomats. The scene, captured by an AFP journalist, shows diplomatic cars leaving the area amidst gunfire, calling it a violation of international law.