Palestinian Gunman Killed After Shooting Spree in Israel

A Palestinian with Israeli citizenship launched a shooting attack in central Israel, killing one person and wounding five, according to Israeli police. The attacker was killed by police.

Initial reports of shootings in different locations raised concerns about multiple attackers. This fear echoed the coordinated attacks by Hamas militants in October 2023. However, police determined there was one gunman and an accomplice.

According to Magen David Adom, emergency services first received a call about a shooting at a gas station near Kokhav Yair, close to the West Bank, around 10:30 a.m. Reports of shootings soon followed in Tsur Natan, Tsur Yitzhak, and near Sal’it settlement inside the West Bank.

Police later arrested a second person involved in the attacks. During the arrest, this individual attempted to stab officers with a glass bottle but caused no injuries. Investigations continue.

The attacker moved quickly between locations in his car, according to Channel 12 reports. A 35-year-old man was killed in Kokhav Yair. One victim sought refuge in a McDonald’s, leaving his bloodied clothes on the floor.

Five people were injured in the attacks, with two in serious condition and three moderately wounded, Magen David Adom stated. Earlier, six injured were reported amid post-attack confusion. Residents were instructed to stay home, and schools were locked down for at least three hours.

“Since Oct. 7, we expected terrorists might cross into our towns. Discovering attackers were Israeli citizens was unexpected,”

said Oshrit Gani Gonen, head of the regional council where the shootings occurred.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the rapid response by security forces. Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, responsible for the police, praised their efforts. He released a video featuring a blurred image of the attacker and commented,

“This is the end of every terrorist, this is how it should look.”

Ben-Gvir’s comments stirred criticism from Israeli leaders, particularly for videos aiming to rally his conservative base ahead of elections.

Tensions in Israel and the West Bank have been high since the Gaza war’s start in October 2023. Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliation in Gaza caused over 72,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike on Sunday reportedly killed four Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as per the Palestinian Red Crescent. The strike targeted a police site in Khan Younis, and the dead were moved to a field hospital. At least 10 individuals were injured. The Israeli military has indicated it targets potential threats.