Three people were killed in a terrorist attack that took place this morning (Sunday) at the Allenby Crossing on the Israel-Jordan border. The terrorist was neutralized by security forces. The attack tested yet again the fragile peace between Israel and Jordan, with both sides vowing to fight terrorists.
Video: 3 murdered in terrorist attack at Allenby Crossing.
A preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the attack indicates that the terrorist, a Jordanian truck driver who arrived from the Jordanian side, had concealed a pistol in his vehicle. Upon reaching the shared unloading area, and before a security check was conducted on the truck, the terrorist drew the weapon and opened fire on Israeli workers. The perpetrator was later named as Maher Dhiab Hussein al-Jazi, 39, who is from Udhruh, east of the Jordanian city and historic site Petra.
Yohanan Shchori, 61, from the Ma'ale Efrayim community, and Yuri Birenbaum, 65, from Na'ama– were named as two of the victims, both from Judea and Samaria. The third fatality's name was released about an hour later: Adrian Marcelo Podsmeser, from Ariel.
During the neutralization of the threat, security forces at the scene used a special measure, which likely caused the explosion that was heard in the area.
Video: The moments of the attack / Credit: Arab social media
The attack occurred at at around 9:55 AM local time, with reports received at Magen David Adom's 101 emergency hotline about two people wounded by gunfire near the border terminal in the Jordan Valley and Emek HaMa'ayanot region.
Yotam Tzur, a Magen David Adom volunteer who works at the crossing, recounted: "While working, I heard bursts of gunfire. I immediately ran towards the scene and saw three people wounded by gunfire. I began performing resuscitation efforts."
"This was a very severe incident. We saw three men lying unconscious, without a pulse or breathing, with gunshot wounds on their bodies," said Magen David Adom emergency medic Yotam Tzur. "Together with an IDF medical team, we performed resuscitation efforts, but unfortunately, we had to pronounce them dead at the scene."
President Isaac Herzog said that he was "deeply saddened by the horrific murder of Yuri Birnbaum, Yohanan Shchori, and Adrian Marcello Podsmesser, this morning in the abhorrent terror attack at the Allenby Crossing. I send a warm embrace and my heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims. May they know no more sorrow." He added, "The peace agreements between Israel and its neighbors are a cornerstone of stability in the region, and we trust all parties will thoroughly investigate the incident and work to prevent future attacks. This horrific act reinforces our resolve to stand firm in the face of terror, and we will continue to fight with determination against terrorism and extremist elements which seek to undermine our security and the stability of the whole region."
Video: PM Netanyahu after the terrorist attack / Credit:X/@israelipm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that "we will stand together. We will wield the sword of David together and with G-d's help, we will win," referring not only to the attack but also to the ongoing war against Hamas."There are those who ask – 'Shall the sword devour forever?' [II Samuel 2:26]. In the Middle East, without the sword, there is no 'forever'."
