One Dead Five Injured After Drive-By Shooting Near Israel West Bank Border
A drive-by shooting attack near Israel’s border with the occupied West Bank left one person dead and five others wounded on Sunday, according to Israeli authorities.
Police reported that a gunman opened fire from a vehicle at three separate locations in and around Kochav Yair, close to the West Bank city of Qalqilya, before being pursued and killed by security forces. Officers also recovered the weapon and vehicle used in the attack.
Authorities later detained a second individual who allegedly made statements suggesting involvement in the incident. Police said the suspect attempted to resist arrest and tried to attack officers with a glass bottle.
The victim, identified as a 35-year-old civilian, died at the scene. Israel’s emergency medical services confirmed that five additional people were injured, including two who sustained serious wounds during the coordinated shootings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, describing the gunman as a “terrorist” and praising security forces for their rapid response. President Isaac Herzog also expressed shock, offering condolences to the victim’s family and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.
Police identified the suspected attacker as a man in his twenties from Tayibe, a predominantly Arab city inside Israel. Investigators said there was no immediate claim of responsibility, although Hamas reportedly praised the attack without directly taking responsibility.
Following the incident, Israeli military units were deployed to secure affected areas near central Israel and nearby West Bank settlements as a precautionary measure.
The attack has intensified political tensions, with some Israeli officials calling for stronger measures targeting radicalization within segments of society. Hardline politicians urged stricter policies, arguing that internal security threats are growing amid ongoing regional instability.
The incident adds to rising concerns over escalating violence in areas near the West Bank border, where security forces remain on high alert.
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