A shooting incident in central Israel on Sunday left one person dead and five others injured, according to emergency officials. Authorities described the event as a suspected terrorist attack and launched an extensive security operation in the area.
Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), confirmed that a 35-year-old man died after suffering gunshot wounds. Five additional victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with two reported to be in serious condition.
Police said security forces tracked down and killed a suspect believed to have carried out the attack. Officials identified the alleged shooter as a Palestinian citizen of Israel from the nearby city of Tayibe. Investigators also recovered the weapon believed to have been used during the incident.
Security forces, including border police and specialized units, continued searching for additional suspects. Authorities urged residents to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious individuals or activity.
According to police, the shooting began near a gas station at the entrance to the Kochav Yair area, close to the occupied West Bank city of Qalqilya. Israeli media reported that the attacker opened fire in Kochav Yair before continuing toward the nearby communities of Tzur Yitzhak and Tzur Natan.
Local reports indicated that Israel’s internal security service and police launched operations in Tayibe following the attack. Additional security measures were reportedly imposed in several neighboring Arab communities.
The Palestinian group Hamas praised the shooting, describing it as a “heroic” act, though the organization did not claim responsibility.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that officials were conducting a security assessment following the incident.
Lior Zilberberg of Magen David Adom said emergency teams were participating in a large training exercise nearby when reports of the shooting were received.
“Once we learned about casualties at several locations, we immediately ended the exercise and dispatched intensive care units and ambulances to the affected areas, including Kochav Yair, Tzur Yitzhak, and Tzur Natan,” Zilberberg said.
Authorities continue investigating the attack as security operations remain underway.
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