Deadly Ambush Near Ariel: Settler Killed in Close-Range Shooting
A Palestinian resistance fighter opens fire on settler vehicle in the occupied West Bank before withdrawing from the scene; Israeli forces launch manhunt
Occupied Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - An Israeli settler woman was killed and two others were critically injured on Wednesday evening after their vehicle came under direct gunfire at point-blank range on Route 446, near the illegal settlement of Ariel, in the northern occupied West Bank. The attack was reportedly carried out by a Palestinian resistance fighter, who managed to withdraw from the scene unharmed.
Israeli public radio confirmed that the settler vehicle was fired upon from zero distance, resulting in the immediate death of the woman and serious injuries to one male settler. Later reports by Channel 14 stated that a third person was also injured during the operation.
Israeli Army Confirms Attack Details
The Israeli occupation army confirmed that a shooting operation had taken place on Route 446, close to the Ariel settlement.
According to their statement, the assailant fired at the vehicle from a very close range and then fled the scene.
This type of attack, conducted at such proximity, suggests premeditation and detailed knowledge of settler movements in the area, raising alarm among Israeli security circles about vulnerabilities in the region.
Massive Military Response and Area Sweep
In response to the incident, the Israeli military deployed significant reinforcements to the area west of Salfit, near the site of the shooting. According to Channel 12, Israeli occupation forces began an intensive sweep of the surrounding region, searching for the person or persons involved.
Lockdown on Salfit and Surrounding Towns
As part of the security clampdown, the occupation forces erected military checkpoints at the entrances to most towns in the Salfit Governorate. These measures are reportedly aimed at preventing the alleged attacker(s) from fleeing the area or receiving support.
Locals reported that movement across the district has been severely restricted, with many Palestinians subjected to prolonged searches and roadblocks as part of the heightened security procedures.
Escalation Amid Growing Resistance in the West Bank
This latest incident underscores the ongoing tensions and volatility across the occupied West Bank, where armed resistance operations against Israeli occupation forces and settlers have seen a significant rise.
The area surrounding Ariel—one of the largest illegal settlements in the northern West Bank—has been a frequent flashpoint in recent months.
As of now, no Palestinian group has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, and the Israeli military continues its search operation. (PW)
Source: Palinfo