Two Israelis have been Killed in a shooting attack at a gas station near Ali settlement

In a tragic incident Thursday, two individuals lost their lives in a shooting attack at a gas station near the entrance to the Ali settlement in the West Bank. The assailant, identified as Mahmoud Manassera, 31, from the Qalandiya refugee camp and affiliated with Fatah, opened fire on two Israeli citizens at the station.

Uria Hartom, a 16-year-old from the Dolev settlement, and Yitzhak Zeiger, 57, from the Shevi Shomron settlement, were fatally shot in the attack. Manassera, a former officer in the Palestinian police who had previously served time for weapons trafficking, was confronted and neutralized by Aviad Gazbar, the owner of a nearby restaurant. Gazbar's swift action prevented further casualties.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the investigation revealed that Manassera arrived at the gas station in a stolen Israeli vehicle and targeted an Israeli vehicle, shooting the passenger and then fatally shooting the driver. Fortunately, a 17-year-old hitchhiker in the vehicle escaped unharmed.

Zeiger, a dedicated volunteer at various emergency response organizations, leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, three children, and two grandchildren. Hartom, described as a righteous and pure young man, is survived by his parents and five brothers.

The attack has reignited calls for increased security measures in the region. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has vowed to push for changes in policy at a cabinet meeting, advocating for enhanced defense strategies in Judea and Samaria.

This isn't the first tragedy to strike the area, as a similar shooting occurred a year ago, claiming four lives and injuring four others. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by both Israeli civilians and security forces in the region.

Chief of Staff Hertzi Halevi visited the scene to commend Gazbar's actions and reaffirm the commitment of security forces to prevent further attacks. "The countermeasure effort of the security forces at the Central Command continues all the time," Halevi stated, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to bolster defense strategies in the wake of such incidents.