Tensions have mounted in the occupied West Bank following the Palestinian Authority (PA) claim that Israeli forces had opened fire on a diplomatic delegation. The attack reportedly took place during an official visit to the village of Urif, north of Nablus, where envoys were evaluating damage inflicted by recent settler raids.
The PA published a video in which two Israeli troops pointed their guns at a crowd of people, which contained European and Palestinian diplomats, according to reports. No casualties were reported but the video has caused outrage and raised new doubts over diplomatic immunity and the protection of foreign officials in war zones.
Israeli officials have not yet made an official statement, but military officials say that the soldiers were securing a perimeter and did not know that the delegation was approaching. The European Union and various international missions are demanding a complete inquiry and insisting on safeguarding humanitarian and diplomatic missions.
This recent encounter takes place during a time of increased violence and settler infiltration throughout the West Bank, refocusing global concern on the turbulent Palestinian territorial situation.
