The number of Israelis killed in a stabbing attack by a Palestinian at two locations around the West Bank settlement of Ariel has risen to three, officials have confirmed, noting that three other people have been injured.
The Israeli army said on its Twitter social network account that «a terrorist arrived at the entrance to the Ariel Industrial Zone and stabbed several civilians in the area,» before adding that other victims were stabbed «at a nearby gas station.» «The terrorist escaped from the scene and was subsequently neutralized. Soldiers are inspecting the area,» he stressed.
According to reports in the Israeli daily ‘The Times of Israel’, the attacker rammed his car into several vehicles as he was trying to escape, at which point he got out of his car and attacked other people before being shot by security forces deployed in the area.
The Israeli Red Star of David, Magen David Adom, has detailed that two of the victims died after being stabbed at the gas station, while another man died after being run over by the attacker. The three wounded are in serious condition, so it is not ruled out that the balance could increase, according to the Israeli newspaper ‘Haaretz’.
For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of a Palestinian in the incident. «An unidentified citizen was shot dead by the Israeli occupation north of Salfit, according to the Civil Affairs Authority,» it said in a brief message posted on its Facebook account.
The attacker was later identified as Muhamad Murad Suf, a resident of the town of Haris with a work permit in the Ariel Industrial Zone. Israeli forces subsequently launched a raid on the town, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
Following the event, Israel’s outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid acknowledged on Twitter that it was «a difficult and painful morning.» «A despicable terrorist has perpetrated a serious attack in Ariel. On behalf of the Government and the State of Israel, I convey my condolences to the families of those killed and my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded,» he said.
«We are confronting terrorism tirelessly and with the full force of the Army, the Shin Bet and all security forces. During recent times we have been successful in dismantling extensive infrastructures and organizations, but we must keep up the war on a daily basis. Our security forces work constantly to protect the citizens of Israel and attack infrastructure at all times and in all places,» he stressed.
The condolences have been joined by the Prime Minister in charge, Benjamin Netanyahu, who noted on his Twitter account that he «prays for the recovery of those injured in the devastating attack in Ariel.» «I support the strengthening of the operations of the security forces in the area,» he said.
Tensions have risen in recent months in the West Bank following recent attacks on Israelis, which have left nearly 20 dead. In addition, Israeli security forces have arrested nearly 2,000 suspects in numerous raids in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In addition, Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Palestinians so far this year, including 144 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem – including 50 in the Jenin area – more than 50 in the Gaza Strip and four in Israel, according to data collected by WAFA.
