3 killed in West Bank ‘shooting spree’ including Israeli police officer: reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to capture the perpetrators behind a terror attack in the West Bank that resulted in the deaths of three Israelis, including a police officer. Off-duty Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein and sisters-in-law Rachel Cohen and Aliza Raiz were fatally shot by gunmen who targeted vehicles in the Palestinian village of Al-Funduq.

The attack also left eight others injured, including a 63-year-old bus driver. The Israeli military has launched a manhunt for two suspected shooters believed to be affiliated with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group. Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised to bring the “despicable murderers” to justice, along with anyone who assisted them.

An eyewitness described the attack as a “shooting spree,” recounting how he saw a Palestinian individual wielding an M16 rifle and targeting vehicles. The eyewitness, who was armed himself, lamented not being able to do more to stop the attackers.

Paramedics from Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency medical service detailed the chaotic scenes they encountered, with multiple vehicles and a bus being hit by gunfire. Tragically, they found two women in a vehicle and an unconscious driver with fatal gunshot wounds.

Winkelstein, Cohen, and Raiz were described as respected members of their community, with Cohen and Raiz both serving as school counselors. The senseless violence of the attack has left the region in mourning and heightened tensions in the area.

The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has since released a statement praising the attack, further complicating the delicate situation in the region. Netanyahu’s pledge to bring the perpetrators to justice is seen as a crucial step in restoring security and peace for all residents of the West Bank.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region and the need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to ensure the safety and well-being of all communities. Netanyahu’s determination to hold the perpetrators accountable is a crucial step towards achieving justice and preventing future acts of violence.

As the investigation continues and the search for the suspects intensifies, the international community will be closely watching to see how the situation unfolds. The tragic loss of life in this senseless attack underscores the urgency of finding a lasting resolution to the complex and deeply rooted issues in the region.