Three Israelis were killed in a terrorist shooting attack near Hebron on Sunday morning. Forces have launched a manhunt after the attacker. A vehicle suspected to belong to the terrorist was found abandoned, and the attacker was eventually neutralized.
Video: The site of the attack near Hebron / Credit: Usage under Israel's Intellectual Property Law Section 27a
Initially, reports said three Israelis traveling on Route 35 connecting the Judean Foothills in Israel proper to the Hebron region in Judea and Samaria sustained severe injuries near the Tarqumiya Junction. Two of the wounded, a man and a woman, both approximately 30 years old, were in critical condition, while a third victim, a man in his 50s, was in serious condition. However, later three succumbed to their injuries. All three fatalities were Israeli police officers.
The attack took place in proximity to the entrance of the village of Idna. Israeli security forces discovered an abandoned vehicle suspected of being used by the attackers. Substantial Israel Defense Forces units have been deployed to the area, conducting an extensive search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.
Yaron Rosenthal, head of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, commented on the incident: "Regrettably, this morning we are facing another grave attack in the Tarqumiyah area. This follows the car bombings on Saturday and the explosive device that was detonated last week in eastern Gush Etzion. It is imperative that we take preemptive action and launch an operation to root out terror cells in the Hebron district and its environs. We cannot allow terrorism to gain momentum. I extend my wishes for a full recovery to the wounded and express my support for the IDF soldiers and commanders who are courageously battling these threats."
