Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his intent to seek “demanding answers” from Israel following an incident where Israeli forces fired upon a European Union delegation that included two Irish diplomats in the occupied West Bank.
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The Israeli military stated that warning shots were fired during the visit to Jenin, prompting widespread condemnation as pressure mounts on Israel to facilitate aid to Gaza.
Among the diplomats involved were the head of mission from the Irish Representative Office in Palestine and the deputy head. In his statement, Mr. Martin condemned what he termed an “aggressive and violent act,” asserting that the international community would likewise be “demanding answers” from Israel.
“I am deeply shocked and horrified that the Israeli Defence Forces today opened fire on a group of diplomats visiting Jenin. Thankfully, nobody was killed or injured,” Mr. Martin tweeted.
“I unreservedly condemn this aggressive, intimidatory and violent act. This is not and must never be a normal way to behave.”
He emphasized that diplomats play a crucial role in representing their countries and ought to conduct their duties without fear of becoming targets.
In a show of solidarity, Tánaiste Simon Harris reached out directly to Feilim McLaughlin, Ireland’s Representative to the Palestinian National Authority, to express his support for the team in Ramallah. Following the incident, a senior official from the Department of Foreign Affairs delivered a démarche to Ambassador Dana Erlich, Israel’s non-resident ambassador to Ireland, articulating Ireland’s strong condemnation and concerns.
A démarche serves as a diplomatic protest, and the communication emphasized the importance of keeping Irish personnel safe. Ireland regards the incident as a clear breach of international law concerning the protection of diplomats. The ambassador was informed that the events should not be dismissed as merely an “inconvenience,” a term previously used by the IDF.
“We don’t want mealy-mouthed apologies from Israel; we want to know how this happened, a full investigation, and those responsible held to account.”
Mr. Harris stressed the necessity for a thorough investigation, citing the visit was routine and pre-arranged with the IDF. He expressed outrage that Israeli forces had fired shots in the direction of diplomats fulfilling their professional responsibilities.
Many international leaders joined in condemning the incident. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called on Israel to hold accountable those responsible for the shooting near Jenin. The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of “deliberately targeting an accredited diplomatic delegation” during events that were meant to observe the humanitarian conditions in the region.
The Israeli military claimed the delegation had deviated from an approved route, which led to the warning shots. Although it expressed regret for what it termed “the inconvenience caused,” the incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of diplomats in conflict zones.
As the situation evolves, international pressure on Israel has increased amid ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, where residents are in dire need of assistance.
“No one is distributing anything to us. Everyone is waiting for aid, but we haven’t received anything,” lamented Umm Talal al-Masri, a displaced Palestinian, highlighting the critical state of affairs.
The Israeli military’s actions have met with swift rebuke from multiple European nations, with Belgium demanding a “convincing explanation” and Italy labeling threats against diplomats as “unacceptable.”
This shooting incident underscores the complexities of diplomatic missions in conflict zones and the need for stringent protections for those serving in such capacities. As the situation unfolds, the call for accountability and a commitment to humanitarian aid remain paramount.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
