Israeli forces opened fire this Wednesday against an international diplomatic delegation during a visit to the city of Yenín, in northern Bank occupied, according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry and confirmed witnesses in the place. About 30 people were part of the diplomatic delegation, in which countries with official representation participated in the Palestinian territories.
The delegation, composed of diplomatic representatives of Spain, France, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Finland and the United Kingdomamong others, was in Yenin in a visit organized by the Foreign Ministry of the National Palestinian Authority (ANP), with the aim of evaluating the humanitarian situation in the area and documenting possible human rights violations.
During the visit, which also included international journalists, Israeli forces would have shot in the direction of the group. The Palestinian Ministry said the shots were “a deliberate action of intimidation” against diplomats. In the images disseminated by the Palestinian authorities you can see at least two Israeli soldiers shooting towards the group while doing interviews.
The Foreign Ministry confirms the presence of a Spanish diplomat
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a Spanish diplomat was part of the delegation that has been the object of shooting by Israeli soldiers. Sources from the department of José Manuel Albares have affirmed that “there was a Spaniard in the group, but that he is well.”
This diplomat was a member of the General Consulate in Jerusalem, because it is this diplomatic representation that is responsible for relations with the Palestinian authority. They have also explained that the Ministry is “in contact with other affected countries to coordinate jointly an answer to what happened.” “We condemn it sharply,” he added.
“The visit was organized to observe the humanitarian conditions and the crimes and violations committed by the occupation forces in the area,” said the Palestinian Foreign Ministry In a statement.
Yenín, and especially his refugee camp, has become the epicenter of the greater Israeli military offensive in the West Bank Since the second Intifada (2000–2005), with dozens of dead Palestinians, including minors.
According to the delegation of Israel, the convoy of diplomats had diverted from the route
The Palestinian Ministry has denounced this incident because it is “A serious and flagrant violation of international law and of the fundamental principles of diplomatic relations “, while the Israel Army has confirmed the” warning shots “against the delegation and has argued that the convoy” deviated from the route. “
“According to the initial investigation, the delegation deviated from the approved route and He entered an area where his presence was not authorized. (…) The floors of the Israel Defense Forces (FDI) made warning shots to move away. “He has also indicated that” there are no information about injuries or damage. “
