Jenin (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) โ Israeli troops fired what the army called "warning shots" during a visit by foreign diplomats to the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, drawing widespread international condemnation.
The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israeli forces of "deliberately targeting by live fire an accredited diplomatic delegation" near the flashpoint city of Jenin.
A European diplomat said the group had travelled to the area to witness the destruction caused by months of Israeli military raids.
The Israeli military said the convoy had strayed from the approved route and entered a restricted zone.
Troops fired "warning shots" to steer the group away, it said, adding that no one was injured and expressing regret for the "inconvenience caused".
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's spokesman called the incident "unacceptable".
"It is clear that diplomats who are doing their work should never be shot at, attacked in any way, shape or form. Their safety, their viability, must be respected at all times," the spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters.
"These diplomats, including UN personnel, were fired at, warning shots or whatever... which is unacceptable," he added.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Israel and hold those responsible "accountable".
Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain all summoned Israel's ambassadors or said they would raise the issue directly.
Egypt denounced the shooting as a breach of "all diplomatic norms", while Turkey demanded an immediate investigation.
"This attack must be investigated without delay and the perpetrators must be held accountable," the Turkish foreign ministry said, adding an employee of the Turkish consulate in Jerusalem was with the group.
Ahmad al-Deek, political adviser for the Palestinian foreign ministry who accompanied the delegation, condemned "this reckless act by the Israeli army".
"It has given the diplomatic delegation an impression of the life the Palestinian people are living," he said.
Palestinian news agency Wafa reported the delegation included diplomats from more than 20 countries including Britain, China, Egypt, France, Jordan, Turkey and Russia.
Belgium demanded a "convincing explanation" from Israel, while Spain said it was "in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response to what happened, which we strongly condemn".
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador to Rome and said that "threats against diplomats are unacceptable".
France also said it would summon Israel's ambassador, and Germany said Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul would also raise the "unprovoked shooting" with his Israeli counterpart.
"warning shots" vs. "Please leave the restricted zone."
Even their lies are totally psychotic.