In a brutal attack near the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, three Israelis were killed and several others injured when Palestinian gunmen opened fire on vehicles along Route 55, near the Palestinian village of Al Funduq.
The victims, two women in their sixties and a man in his forties, were pronounced dead at the scene. Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s emergency medical service, reported that several others were injured, including the bus driver, who remains in serious condition.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a manhunt for the attackers, setting up roadblocks and conducting searches in neighboring Palestinian villages. Military officials confirmed the involvement of at least two gunmen, believed to be part of a militant cell.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, issuing a firm warning: “We will find the abhorrent murderers and settle accounts with them and with all those who aided them.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed Netanyahu’s remarks, directing the IDF to act decisively: “We will not allow terrorism to strike at our citizens. The military will intensify its efforts to root out these threats.”
The attack comes amid a surge in violence across the West Bank. Since October 2023, over 800 Palestinians and more than 40 Israelis have been killed in clashes, terror attacks, and military operations. The Kedumim area, located in Samaria, has been a frequent flashpoint due to its proximity to major Israeli settlements and Palestinian villages.
International reactions to the incident were swift. The United States condemned the attack, with a State Department spokesperson reiterating Washington’s support for Israel: “We stand firmly with our ally, Israel, against acts of terrorism and call for calm on all sides.”
This attack further highlights the volatile situation in the region, where disputes over Israeli settlements and Palestinian self-governance continue to fuel unrest. The Kedumim area, part of the contested West Bank, remains under Israeli military control, with portions governed by the Palestinian Authority.
Israeli authorities have vowed to increase security measures in response to the attack, including stepped-up military patrols and stricter checkpoints along key routes. An IDF statement emphasized: “Our goal is to ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens traveling these roads.”
The Biden/Harris administration lies every time they make a comment about standing
with Israel!!