Double shooting in Samaria, Israeli soldier killed, two wounded

Two shootings took place in the Samaria region. One Israeli soldier was killed, two Israelis in serious condition.

By World Israel News Staff

Two shootings took place in the Samaria region. An IDF combat soldier, identified as 19-year-old Gal Kaiden from Beersheba, was kiiled. Two Israelis were wounded and remain in serious condition. IDF forces are in pursuit of the killer.

Early reports say that the terrorist stabbed his first victim and stole his weapon, shot him and fled.

The same attacker then stole a car, traveled to nearby Giti Avisar junction and opened fire.

Magen David Adom paramedics evacuated two of the victims to Beilinson Hospital, including a 35-year-old man and a 20-year-old man.

Ram Shagai, deputy director of Beilinson Hospital, said one of the wounded is in very serious condition and the other in critical condition. “We are fighting for their lives,” he said.

Emergency medical technician MDA Hananel Hess recounted that when he was passing through the Ariel intersection he noticed a commotion.

“I saw soldiers running and I heard shooting. I realized that something was going on and alerted MDA forces. When the shooting stopped, I saw a young man of about 20 lying unconscious with gunshot wounds to his upper body.”

The terrorist fled the scene of the attack, and massive forces, including a helicopter, were deployed to capture the terrorist.

The Samaria Regional Council together with the defense establishment decided to close the gates of the Barkan Industrial Park and the entrances to Israeli communities in the area.

Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council, said “We will never break, we will never retreat. The Israeli communities in Samaria are part of the Jewish people and part of the State of Israel.”

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin tweeted shortly afterwards: “My thoughts are with the families who are coming to terms with the news of the horrific terrorist attack, and with the security forces who are right now in pursuit of the terrorists. The State of Israel will seek out, find and defeat all those who attack us.”

The IDF said the shooting was in the area of the Ephraim regional brigade.

TPS contributed to this report.