Three Israelis were shot and killed Sunday at the border crossing between the West Bank and Jordan, Israeli officials said, in what appeared to be an attack linked to the 11-month-old war in Gaza.
Israel on Alert as Border Crossings Sealed After Fatal Attack
Israel faced a tragic incident as a gunman from Jordan infiltrated the Allenby Bridge border crossing, resulting in the deaths of three Israeli civilians before being neutralized by security forces on Sunday. This assault, believed to be connected to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked a disturbing escalation along the West Bank border with Jordan.
The Allenby Bridge, also recognized as the King Hussein Bridge, functions as a crucial commercial passage under Israeli jurisdiction where Jordanian vehicles unload cargo destined for the West Bank. Situated between Amman and Jerusalem, this checkpoint near the Dead Sea became the scene of a violent encounter as a terrorist launched an attack on Israeli security personnel stationed at the bridge.
Updating on the incident, the Israeli military confirmed, “A terrorist infiltrated the Allenby Bridge area from Jordan in a truck, disembarked from the vehicle, and initiated gunfire towards the Israeli security forces on duty at the bridge.” Tragically, the assailant was swiftly incapacitated by the security forces, but three Israeli civilians lost their lives as a result of the brutal assault.
Immediate Response: Israel Shuts Border Crossings with Jordan
Following the harrowing attack at the Allenby Bridge, Israel swiftly took precautionary measures by shutting down all three land border crossings connecting to Jordan. The Israel Airports Authority, responsible for overseeing such border routes, confirmed the closure as part of heightened security protocols in response to the violent incident. Reports from a Jordanian border official indicated that numerous Jordanian truck drivers present in the offloading area were detained by the Israeli military for further investigation.
Israel and Jordan, bound by a peace treaty since 1994, have traditionally maintained close security cooperation. The daily flow of trailers transporting goods from Jordan and the Gulf to serve both the West Bank and Israeli markets underscores the economic significance of these border connections.
Expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented the attack, calling the assailant a “loathsome terrorist” who callously murdered civilians. The incident further strained an already tense situation in the region, with Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri commending the attack as a response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and hinting at potential further acts of violence.
As investigations into the motive behind the attack continue, Israel remains vigilant in safeguarding its borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The closure of border crossings underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures to avert future tragedies and maintain stability in the region.
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