Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada is demanding answers from Israel after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fired warning shots near a group of Canadian diplomats visiting the West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday.
Speaking via social media, Anand confirmed that four Canadians were part of the diplomatic tour group and expressed relief that all were unharmed. She also announced that the Israeli ambassador to Canada has been formally summoned to explain the incident.
“I have asked my officials to summon Israel’s Ambassador to convey Canada’s serious concerns,” Anand posted on X. “We expect a full investigation and accountability.”
The IDF acknowledged firing the warning shots, stating that the delegation had “deviated” from an approved route and entered an unauthorized area. A video circulating online shows the group near a gate when gunfire erupts, prompting them to retreat hastily as two soldiers appear to point weapons in their direction.
“No one was injured in the incident,” the IDF said in a statement, adding that an internal investigation has been launched and that they will speak directly with the affected diplomats once findings are available.
The diplomatic fallout has extended beyond Canada. France and Italy have also summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective countries over the same incident. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the situation “unacceptable,” while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani demanded clarification from the Israeli government.
Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson described the incident as serious, but not entirely unprecedented, noting that diplomats operating in conflict zones do so with heightened risk.
“Unfortunately, in warlike conditions like those in the West Bank, incidents like this happen—even when not intentional,” he said.
The incident comes amid growing international criticism of Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza and settlement activity in the West Bank. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Mark Carney joined British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in threatening targeted sanctions against Israel. The leaders cited the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a lack of sufficient aid delivery.
The U.K. has already imposed sanctions on individuals, illegal settler outposts, and groups accused of promoting violence against Palestinians. Talks on a new trade deal with Israel have also been paused by the British government, though trade continues for now.
Canada, too, has previously imposed sanctions on individuals linked to extremist settler violence. The most recent round was announced in September 2024.
Prime Minister Carney, who has recently signaled a more independent Canadian foreign policy due to strained ties with the U.S., is expected to continue aligning more closely with European allies.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the joint statement from Canada, the U.K., and France by accusing the leaders of “offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7.”
In contrast, Hamas welcomed the joint statement, calling it “a significant step in the right direction.”