A Palestinian truck driver killed an Israeli soldier on Thursday by ramming into him near a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank.
The police stated in a press release, “A report was received about a ramming incident near the Maccabim checkpoint,” adding that there were “casualties.” The driver fled the scene but was later neutralized near the Hashmonaim checkpoint.
Avi Biton, the head of the Central Command of the police, informed reporters at the scene that the 41-year-old Palestinian driver was from the West Bank and had a work permit to enter Israel.
Biton confirmed the driver’s death and also mentioned, “The individuals who were hit by the truck were soldiers,” one of whom was killed.
A Tense Atmosphere: Previous Attacks and Recent Developments
This incident comes on the heels of another attack, where four Israeli soldiers were injured due to a bomb explosion near them while they were securing a pilgrimage route to a holy site in the city of Nablus in the West Bank. One of the injuries was described as moderate, while the others were minor.
Israeli and Palestinian Narratives: A Holy Site Controversy
It’s important to note that Jews are coordinated to enter “Joseph’s Tomb,” a site they consider holy for its association with the biblical figure Joseph, son of Jacob. Palestinians claim the site belongs to a local Muslim religious figure and consider the entry of Jews as an intrusion and a provocative step. The military usually accompanies Jewish visitors to the site.
Rising Casualty Numbers in Israel-Palestine Violence
According to a tally conducted by the French news agency based on official sources from both sides, the ongoing violence this year has resulted in at least 224 Palestinians and 32 Israelis, as well as a Ukrainian and an Italian, being killed. Among the Palestinian dead are fighters, civilians, and minors, while the Israeli dead mostly include civilians, minors, and three members of the Arab minority.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed condolences to the family of the deceased soldier and praised the security forces for their “decisive action” in killing the perpetrator.
On Wednesday evening, a 14-year-old Palestinian teen was killed by Israeli police after he had stabbed a civilian on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
