Two Israelis have been Killed in West Bank Gas Station Shooting

In a tragic incident today, two Israeli citizens lost their lives in a shooting attack at a gas station near the entrance to the Ali settlement in the West Bank. The victims have been identified as 16-year-old Uria Hartom from the Dolev settlement and 57-year-old Yitzhak Zeiger from the Shevi Shomron settlement.

According to reports from a senior police officer, the assailant, identified as Mahmoud Manassera, 31, from the Qalandiya refugee camp and affiliated with Fatah, opened fire on the two Israelis at the gas station. Manassera, a former officer in the Palestinian police who had served time in prison for weapons trafficking, was shot dead by a restaurant owner, Aviad Gazbar, who bravely intervened. Gazbar's swift action was supported by security forces and other civilians who rushed to the scene.

The IDF investigation indicates that Manassera arrived at the gas station in a stolen Israeli car from Ramallah. He targeted an Israeli vehicle, shooting the passenger and subsequently engaging with the driver, who tragically lost his life. A hitchhiker in the vehicle escaped unharmed.

Both Zeiger and Hartom were found in critical condition at the scene and were pronounced dead shortly afterward by Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics.

The Baali gas station, where the attack occurred, is located in an area typically patrolled by the IDF during the day. However, there were no forces present at the time of the attack.

Yitzhak Zeiger, a dedicated individual who worked at Bezeq and volunteered extensively, leaves behind a wife, three children, and two grandchildren. Uria Hartom, described as a righteous and holy boy, was a student at a yeshiva in Shumaria and is survived by his parents and five brothers.

This tragedy has deeply impacted the communities of Shevi Shomron, Dolev, and beyond. Leaders such as Yossi Dagan of the Samaria Council and Israel Gantz of the Binyamin Regional Council have expressed their condolences and solidarity with the grieving families.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has pledged to address the security concerns raised by this attack, advocating for policy changes and increased measures to ensure the safety of Israeli citizens in Judea and Samaria.

This incident echoes a similar shooting attack that occurred approximately a year ago in the same area, where four individuals were killed and others injured. The swift response from civilians and security forces underscores the resilience and determination in confronting such threats.

The IDF is currently conducting operations to map Manassera's residence and searching for any additional suspects linked to the attack.