Three Israelis shot dead at West Bank-Jordan crossing

Three Israeli civilians were killed in a shooting incident at the Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli officials. The attack occurred at a border point where Jordanian vehicles deliver goods into the West Bank.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the attacker arrived in a truck from the Jordanian side, exited the vehicle, and began shooting. Security forces responded swiftly, neutralizing the gunman before he could cause further harm. Initial checks for explosives in the truck were negative, and no additional threats were found.

Video footage from the scene shows the assailant walking toward the terminal and firing three shots before being shot by Israeli security personnel. Following the incident, both the Allenby Bridge and all other land crossings between Israel and Jordan were closed. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed the closure of these border points.

Jordan is currently investigating the attack, which occurred in an area controlled by Israel where Jordanian vehicles offload goods. This crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is a crucial entry point between the West Bank and Jordan, located approximately halfway between Amman and Jerusalem. It is the only crossing that does not go through Israel.

In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “hard day” and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He condemned the attack, calling the gunman a “loathsome terrorist” who killed three Israeli citizens in cold blood.

It was  reported that Israeli forces have increased their military presence at the crossing in the wake of the attack. The incident comes amidst a significant escalation in violence in the region. According to the Palestinian health ministry, over 600 Palestinians have been killed in the recent surge of violence in the West Bank following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.

Last week, Israeli forces completed a major operation in Jenin city and its refugee camp—a known stronghold of militants with a civilian population of about 60,000. Israel has stated that its operations are aimed at curbing deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis and combating terrorism.

The ongoing conflict has heightened tensions in the region, with both sides grappling with the fallout from the increased violence. The closure of border crossings and heightened security measures reflect the escalating situation and the need for vigilance as investigations continue.