Two Killed in Suspected Palestinian Ramming and Knife Attack in Israel
Two people lost their lives in a suspected terrorist incident in northern Israel, identified by police as a “rolling terror attack.”
– Details of the Attack:
– The attacker first targeted a pedestrian in the eastern city of Beit Shean, running them over before driving several miles to stab a woman near Ein Harod, approximately 8 miles (12.5 km) to the west.
– A 68-year-old man tragically died from the ramming, while a 16-year-old boy sustained injuries.
– The stabbing victim was an 18-year-old woman.
– Response from Authorities:
– The suspect, who fled the scene, was ultimately shot and wounded by a civilian outside Afula, as reported by police.
– The suspect is from Qabatiya, a village in the northern occupied West Bank, confirmed by Israel’s defense minister.
– Background Context:
– This incident follows closely on the heels of an event where an Israeli reservist was dismissed after being filmed ramming a praying Palestinian with a quad bike. Although the victim was unhurt, the situation highlights rising tensions.
– The IDF announced plans to conduct operations in the Qabatiya area, with Defense Minister Israel Katz instructing for an immediate and forceful response.
– Illegal Employment and Motive:
– Reports indicate the 37-year-old suspect had entered Israeli territory illegally and used his employer’s vehicle during the attack.
– The ongoing violence has reflected a concerning trend in the West Bank, where attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians have considerably increased in recent years. The United Nations reports over a thousand Palestinians have been killed since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions to Gaza.
– Casualty Figures:
– Since the outbreak of violence, Gaza’s health ministry indicates more than 70,600 fatalities due to Israeli attacks in the territory.
This tragic event underscores the escalating violence and complex security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories, necessitating urgent dialogue and resolution efforts.