Canada Demands Full Investigation After Israeli Forces Fire Near Canadian Diplomats in West Bank
Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned as “totally unacceptable” the firing of shots by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) near a diplomatic delegation that included Canadian representatives in the West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday.
Speaking at a news conference in Ottawa, Carney confirmed that four members of a Canadian delegation—two Canadian citizens and two local staff—were present during the incident, which occurred as part of a diplomatic tour. No injuries were reported.
“We expect a full investigation and we expect an immediate explanation of what happened,” said Carney. “It’s totally unacceptable. It’s one of many things that are totally unacceptable going on in the region.”
The Prime Minister also revealed that Israel’s ambassador to Canada has been summoned to Global Affairs Canada for an explanation. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed that message earlier in the day.
“Relieved to know our team is safe,” Anand posted on social media following a briefing with Canada’s head of mission in Ramallah. “We expect a full investigation and accountability.” She added that the Israeli ambassador has been formally summoned to express Canada’s “serious concerns.”
Video Evidence and IDF Response
Footage of the incident, captured by Agence France-Presse (AFP), shows members of the diplomatic delegation being hurried away by security personnel as gunfire rings out nearby. The IDF later issued a statement saying the delegation had “deviated” from an approved route and that warning shots were fired to redirect the group.
“The IDF regrets the inconvenience,” the statement added.
However, the explanation has not quelled criticism. Former Canadian ambassador to Israel, Jon Allen, strongly condemned the incident, calling it “unheard of” and “unconscionable.”
“The fact that you had a group of diplomats who were not properly protected by the IDF or other security forces while they were in the West Bank is unacceptable,” Allen said in an interview with CBC’s Power & Politics.
Wider Diplomatic Fallout
Minister Anand joins a growing list of international leaders expressing alarm over the incident, which adds further strain to already tense diplomatic relations amid escalating violence in the region. Calls for transparency and accountability are intensifying as countries assess the risks to their personnel and the integrity of diplomatic norms.
Canada’s government is expected to continue pressing Israeli authorities for a thorough explanation and to ensure measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
