A young Israeli mother-to-be, Tzeela Gez, was fatally shot in a brutal terror attack while en route to deliver her child, sparking grief, outrage, and renewed calls for intensified security in Judea and Samaria (West Bank). The husband and baby are in serious condition, the child delivered by emergency C-section.

It was meant to be one of the most joyful days in the life of Tzeela Gez and her family. The 32-year-old Israeli woman from the community of Peduel in Samaria was on her way to the hospital to give birth when terrorists opened fire on her vehicle near Bruchin, on Tuesday, May 14. She was critically injured by the gunfire and rushed to the hospital by emergency services, but despite intense efforts to save her and her unborn child, both were pronounced dead.

The attack was deliberate and targeted. According to the IDF, Palestinian gunmen lay in wait near a junction and fired directly at the car carrying Tzeela. The ambush-style assault left the vehicle riddled with bullets. She was driving with a relative, who was reportedly unharmed. A massive manhunt was launched immediately by Israeli forces across the western Samaria region to track the terrorists. Units from the IDF, Shin Bet, and Israel Police are currently sweeping villages and inspecting surveillance footage in pursuit of the perpetrators.

“This was a premeditated act of murder against a woman about to bring life into the world,” said IDF Central Command chief Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth at the scene of the attack. “Our forces are committed to locating and neutralizing the terrorist cell responsible. We will not rest until justice is served.”

President Isaac Herzog also reacted with deep sorrow and outrage. “The murder of Tzeela Gez on her way to the delivery room is a criminal act of terror that chills every heart,” Herzog said in a public statement. “This despicable attack on a mother and her unborn child is a stark reminder of the evil we are fighting. My heart is with her family.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response, saying in a cabinet briefing, “The hands that fired on Tzeela Gez will not escape. The IDF and security forces will reach them sooner or later. We are in a war for our lives, and we will act with the full force of the state.”

The tragedy has rocked Israeli society and struck a deep emotional chord, both for its cruelty and its symbolism. In religious tradition, bringing new life into the world is a sacred act. The murder of a pregnant woman en route to give birth has drawn comparisons to the darkest days of terror in Israel’s history.

Family and friends described Tzeela as a “kind, generous soul” and a devoted wife. She and her husband had been looking forward to welcoming their first child. “She was glowing with anticipation,” said a friend from Peduel. “This was going to be the happiest moment of her life. Instead, it became a day of national mourning.”

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized that this attack will not deter Israelis from continuing to build and thrive in Judea and Samaria. “We will deepen our roots here. Terrorism will not stop life, and we will not allow it to destroy our spirit,” Gallant said.

Hamas, while not formally claiming responsibility, praised the attack in a statement broadcast in Gaza, calling it “a heroic resistance action.” This drew fierce condemnation from across the Israeli political spectrum.

As of Wednesday morning, Israeli forces had detained several suspects for questioning and were continuing operations throughout western Samaria. Drones and helicopters supported ground units in the pursuit.

The funeral for Tzeela Gez is expected to draw thousands. Her name will be added to the long list of Israelis murdered in acts of terror, but her story will remain especially heartbreaking: a young mother denied the chance to hold her child.

“She was on her way to give life,” said Bruchin Mayor Kobi Eliraz. “Instead, she was met with death. The nation mourns today, but we will carry her memory forward in strength.”