Rome: Italy’s foreign ministry summoned Israel’s ambassador in Rome following an incident in the West Bank where Italian peacekeepers were reportedly fired upon with warning shots by Israeli forces.

The confrontation occurred during heightened tensions in the occupied territory.

The Italian government expressed concern and demanded clarification from Israel regarding the circumstances of the incident. The shots were reportedly fired in proximity to an Italian military patrol, part of an international observer mission in the area.

Italy has called for the protection of its personnel operating under international mandates and emphasised the importance of avoiding escalation. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have not issued a formal statement at the time of reporting.

The diplomatic move signals rising European concern over Israel’s military operations in the West Bank, especially amid growing international scrutiny of conduct in contested areas. Further statements from both governments are awaited.