Israel’s military reported that a Palestinian gunman opened fire towards an Israeli vehicle at a junction near the city of Nablus, resulting in the death of two Israeli civilians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir released a joint statement confirming the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
Medics reported that the casualties were two men in their twenties who were residents of Har Bracha, a settlement 8 km away from the scene of the attack. In response to the shooting, Israeli security forces closed down checkpoints and are currently searching for the suspect.
The attack comes amid rising tensions in the occupied West Bank following an Israeli military raid in Nablus on Wednesday which resulted in the death of 11 Palestinians. According to Palestinian figures, at least 65 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of 2021.
In an effort to restore calm, Israeli and Palestinian representatives held talks in Jordan on Sunday with regional and international participation. The meeting, which was held in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba, aimed to address “the situation in the Palestinian territories”. It is believed to be the first of its kind in years between Palestinians and Israelis.