A shooting attack in the occupied West Bank has left one person dead and five others wounded, according to Israeli medical services. The incident occurred on Monday near the settlement of Ariel, where a Palestinian gunman opened fire on a bus and a car at a junction, before being shot dead by security forces. The deceased victim has been identified as a 40-year-old man, while the wounded include a 20-year-old woman in serious condition and four others with moderate to light injuries.
This attack follows a series of violent incidents across the region, which have escalated tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The assailant, named by Palestinian sources as a 36-year-old man from the nearby town of Salfit, acted alone according to initial investigations. No militant group has claimed responsibility.
The shooting took place at a time of heightened security alerts ahead of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened an emergency security cabinet meeting to discuss the situation. Human rights groups have condemned the violence and called for de-escalation.
Data from the United Nations indicates that 2023 has seen a 50% increase in conflict-related casualties in the West Bank compared to the same period last year, with over 100 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers. This attack marks one of the few incidents where an Israeli civilian has been killed this year. The cycle of violence underscores the fragile security situation in the region, where diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
International observers urge restraint and a return to negotiations, but with no political framework in place, further attacks are anticipated. The injured have been evacuated to hospitals in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for treatment.
