UK demands probe after diplomats hit by Israeli fire

Britain’s Middle East minister has demanded a full investigation after British diplomats were caught in gunfire from Israeli soldiers during an incident in the occupied West Bank.

Hamish Falconer said he had spoken directly to the diplomats affected by Wednesday’s events in Jenin, describing the situation as “unacceptable” in a statement posted on social media platform X.

“Today’s events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected,” Mr Falconer wrote. “Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable.”

The minister did not provide details about the circumstances of the incident or specify how many British diplomatic personnel were involved. It remains unclear whether any diplomats were injured during the gunfire.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations frequently take place in Palestinian towns and cities. Jenin has been a particular focal point of Israeli raids in recent months.

Britain maintains diplomatic ties with both Israel and the Palestinian territories, with British officials regularly visiting the region as part of international efforts to monitor the situation and engage with local communities.