At least two Israeli civilians have been killed this morning after their vehicle bearing 3 people was fired upon by Palestinian gunmen in another vehicle, near Hamra in the West Bank. There are conflicting reports about the status of the third occupant of the car, with some saying she later succumbed to her wounds, whereas some claim she is presently fighting for her life at a nearby hospital after being evacuated by helicopter.
Footage has been released of the attack, showing both the perpetrators car, and the victims car which changed course before crashing off camera. The attack only lasted a few seconds.
Footage of the Jordan Valley shooting pic.twitter.com/H1wRzF1DwL
— GHMV2 (@GHMV2Research) April 7, 2023
The attack has brought calls for a harsh response by some in the Israeli government as the IDF increases its troop presence throughout the West Bank, including the Jordan Valley where the shooting took place.
“There is an enemy here trying to establish a state in the heart of our land, this is their motivation. This must stop. Our expectation is not from the soldiers in the field and not from commanders, but from policy-makers, to destroy the hope of the enemy” said head of the Gush Etzion regional council Shlomo Ne’eman.
The gunmen managed to escape the scene, though the IDF have stated that they have locked down several portions of the road, and are currently on the hunt for the perpetrators.
US ambassador to Israel Tom Nides has tweeted in condemnation of the attack.
Horrified to see the deadly terror attack in the West Bank today, where a mother was critically injured, and her two daughters were killed.
Praying for peace as we continue to observe the holidays.— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) April 7, 2023
The EU’s ambassador to Israel also tweeted in a similar condemnation.
Horrifying news of shooting attack in Jordan Valley, West Bank: two young Israeli women killed, one is critically wounded. Condolences to the families of the victims, wishes for speedy recovery to the injured. I strongly condemn the terror attack! Violence is never justified.
— Dimiter Tzantchev (@DTzantchev) April 7, 2023
Though the frequency of attacks throughout Israel/Palestine has slowed since yesterday, tensions remain immensely high.
