GRAPHIC: Terror Attack in Gush Etzion, 1 dead | WATCH
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.
An attempted stabbing attack was thwarted today at the Rami Levy shopping compound at the Gush Etzion Junction in Judea and Samaria. According to preliminary reports, multiple assailants were involved, and two terrorists were neutralized by security forces.
The Police stated:
An initial report was received moments ago of a suspected shooting attack at Gush Etzion Junction. Several victims with varying degrees of injuries have been reported at the scene.
Large forces from the Judea and Samaria Police District, together with IDF units and emergency responders, are currently operating at the site to regain full control, provide medical assistance, and conduct searches for additional suspects.
The Judea and Samaria District Commander is en route to the scene.
The public is urged to avoid the area and allow security forces to carry out their operations efficiently. Further details will be provided as the situation develops.
Magen David Adom Spokesperson:
At 14:23, a report was received at MDA’s 101 hotline in the Jerusalem area about an injured man near Gush Etzion Junction.
MDA paramedics and medics report a young man, approximately 20 years old, in critical condition. The terrorists were neutralized on site.
UPDATE: MDA is attempting to resuscitate the 20 year old man who was critically injured.
Nir Dvori provided these additional details: Two terrorists armed with knives entered the Rami Levi supermarket at Gush Etzion Junction and attacked an Israeli man, approximately 20 years old, critically wounding him. The terrorists were neutralized on site. It is being investigated whether they were armed with additional weapons.
14:45PM UPDATE: Unfortunately, the 20 year old man succumbed to his wounds and just passed away.
The CEO of MDA, Eli Bin, confirmed: "We were forced to pronounce the death of the crticially injured man."
15:05PM: The IDF has closed all entrances to the cities of Hebron and Bethlehem following the attack in Gush Etzion.
Security forces remain heavily deployed in the area.
15:10PM: Home Front Guard Matzuda Unit stated:
Following the attack at Rami Levy, the Matzuda Unit has deployed several drone teams to the field. The teams, operating in full coordination with the IDF in the area, will secure the forces and assist in the search for escapees or terrorists attempting to exploit the situation.
15:18PM: IDF Spokesperson stated:
Following the report of a terror attack at the Gush Etzion Junction, two terrorists arrived at the scene and carried out a combined shooting and stabbing attack.
IDF forces and other security personnel at the site opened fire and killed the assailants.
IDF troops are now encircling the village of Halhul and setting up roadblocks in the area.
15:20: According to Israeli journalist Amit Segal, the terrorists seized the security guard’s weapon and opened fire.
15:40
The defense establishment is investigating whether the terrorists murdered the approximately 20-year-old young man, stole his handgun, and used it to continue the attack. The assailants were neutralized by armed civilians and security personnel.
Gush Etzion Junction Area Closed to Traffic in All Directions
The communities of Elazar, Neve Daniel, Kfar Etzion, Migdal Oz, Alon Shvut, and Bat Ayin have been sealed off, with entry and exit prohibited.
IDF forces are encircling Hebron.
Arab affairs veteran analyst Tzvi Yechezkeli explained:
In the past week, in the Gush Etzion area, there has been a clear trend of barrier removal. As a local resident, I can attest, just yesterday, while driving on the road, I noticed too many green license plates. It was clear the army had opened the crossings as part of what is being labeled a "return to routine."
But we warned (and I warned) that every time normalcy is restored, someone exploits it.
The prevailing mindset in Judea and Samaria has not been broken. Yes, there has been a shift in approach in the refugee camps of Tulkarem and Jenin, but on the roads, the discourse still focuses on "quality of life," even as the area seethes with terror.
And while discussions at the table revolve around emirates and peace with Syria, there are those lying in wait, with loaded weapons, ready for the moment. And they know: the current reality still allows them to emerge, strike, and reach even shopping centers and the Gush Etzion Junction.