Jerusalem, (EFE).- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that shots fired by Israeli soldiers at a group of foreign diplomats near the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank were the result of an “accident,” emphasizing that the Israeli military “does not target civilians.”
“We are in an intense seven-front war launched against us by Iran and its proxies. Sometimes, in war, accidents happen,” Netanyahu said in a video message. “One of these incidents occurred the other day in Jenin. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Our army has expressed its regret because we do not attack civilians or diplomats. We target terrorists.”
The shooting occurred on Wednesday during a visit organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Jenin, where Israeli forces have been conducting a ground operation since Jan. 21.
Diplomats from around 20 countries, including Spain, Ireland, the UK, and China, were present when Israeli troops reportedly opened fire near the delegation. No injuries were reported.
The Israeli military later claimed the diplomatic convoy had “strayed from the approved route,” and said warning shots were fired to redirect the group.
The incident has sparked diplomatic backlash, with several countries summoning Israeli ambassadors to demand explanations.
Despite Netanyahu’s remarks, human rights organizations and media reports point to a broader pattern of violence against civilians in the occupied territories.
According to EFE and documentation from Defense for Children International, Palestine, at least 27 Palestinian minors have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank so far this year.
In Gaza, where Israel has conducted a large-scale military offensive since Oct. 2023, the local Ministry of Health ruled by Hamas reported on Thursday that at least 16,503 children have died, including over 900 infants under the age of one.
Netanyahu’s comments come as international scrutiny grows over Israel’s conduct in the Palestinian territories, particularly following the near-miss involving diplomats in Jenin.
The ongoing conflict has intensified diplomatic tensions and raised further concerns about the protection of civilians and aid workers in conflict zones. EFE
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