Carney Slams IDF Gunfire Near Canadian Delegation

Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned as “totally unacceptable” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) gunfire that occurred near a Canadian diplomatic delegation in Jenin, West Bank on Wednesday. The federal government has demanded a full investigation and a clear explanation from Israel after gunfire erupted near four delegation members—including two Canadians—during an international tour.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the government summoned Israel’s ambassador to Canada after video of the incident raised concern among Canadian officials and foreign policy experts.

Canada’s federal government is now demanding a full investigation and explanation from Israel. Carney confirmed the Israeli ambassador has been summoned to Global Affairs Canada.

Gunfire During Diplomatic Visit

The incident occurred as part of a diplomatic tour involving multiple nations. Two Canadian diplomats and two local staff were near the Capital Jewish Museum when Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers opened fire nearby.

Footage from Agence France-Presse shows security personnel quickly pulling the group to safety as gunfire echoed in the background.

According to the IDF, the delegation had “deviated from the approved route,” prompting soldiers to fire warning shots.

Canada Demands Accountability

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called the incident alarming, saying she was relieved the Canadian team is safe. After speaking to Canada’s head of mission in Ramallah, Anand announced plans to formally summon Israel’s ambassador and press for accountability.

“We expect a full investigation and accountability,” she said.

Widening Global Frustration

The gunfire incident comes amid rising global criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Earlier this week, Carney joined UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in a rare joint statement threatening sanctions against Israel.

They warned that if Israel does not halt its renewed military offensive in Gaza and ease restrictions on humanitarian aid, their governments will take further concrete actions.

“The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the leaders said. They also condemned Israel’s plan to expand settlements in the West Bank.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the statement “a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7,” referring to the 2023 Hamas-led assault.

Reactions and Political Fallout

In response to Carney’s stance, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the joint statement, arguing it played into the hands of Hamas.

Meanwhile, former Canadian ambassador Jon Allen described the shooting as “unconscionable.” He criticized the lack of security for visiting diplomats in a volatile region.

“The fact that they were not properly protected by IDF or local security is unheard of,” Allen told CBC.

UN and Aid Organizations Raise Alarm

The shooting also comes as humanitarian concerns in Gaza escalate. The United Nations warned that 14,000 babies face acute malnutrition if aid deliveries remain blocked. Although dozens of trucks were finally allowed into Gaza this week, initial reports said many couldn’t reach those most in need.

A UN official later confirmed that some aid trucks successfully reached central Gaza, though challenges remain in getting supplies to distribution points.

Canada’s Next Moves

Carney hasn’t detailed what “further actions” Canada might take, but hinted that his joint message with France and the UK was a clear warning. Experts suggest Canada’s influence is limited unless the U.S. pressures Israel to change course.

“Without U.S. pressure, Israel won’t significantly shift its actions,” said political scientist Thomas Juneau.

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