Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
One person was killed, and five others were wounded after an Arab Israeli gunman opened fire at multiple locations in central Israel on Sunday, according to Israeli authorities. The shootings triggered a large-scale security operation as authorities initially feared more than one attacker could be involved.
Israeli media reports cited by the Associated Press said the gunman carried out the attack from inside a vehicle, allowing him to move rapidly between locations and open fire at multiple targets within minutes.
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The attacker, identified by police as a resident of the Arab city of Tayibe, was later shot dead and a firearm was recovered from the scene. The violence unfolded near Kokhav Yair, Tsur Natan and Tsur Yitzhak. Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, said a 35-year-old Israeli man was killed in the attack. Five others were wounded, including two who were in serious condition and three who suffered moderate injuries.
The shootings prompted an immediate deployment of police officers and Israeli soldiers across the area. Authorities urged residents to remain alert while security forces searched for any additional suspects and secured the affected locations.
Later in the day, police detained another individual believed to be connected to the incident. Authorities said the suspect attempted to attack officers with a glass bottle during the arrest but was quickly subdued. No officers were injured. Investigations into the attack remained ongoing.
The military also increased its presence near the affected communities and at a nearby Israeli settlement in the West Bank as a precautionary measure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the attack and praised the response of security forces, according to Israeli media reports. Israel Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also commended police and security personnel involved in the operation.
HAMAS PRAISES ATTACK
The shootings occurred near the Palestinian city of Qalqilya. Hamas praised the attack in a statement, but it did not claim responsibility for carrying it out.
Israel and the occupied West Bank have remained tense since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. Violence has increased across the region, with frequent military operations, militant attacks and clashes involving settlers and Palestinians.
The current conflict was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
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With inputs from agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
