Five Wounded in Hebron Terror Attack as IDF Launches Counterterror Operations
Five people were wounded, including two critically, in a terror shooting near Yehuda Junction on Route 35 outside Hebron on Friday morning, October 23. Israeli forces eliminated both terrorists, and the IDF subsequently moved to surround Hebron and nearby villages and enter the attackers’ homes.
The attack triggered an exchange of fire and a security response across the surrounding area. The IDF said the terrorists were armed with an M16 rifle and a handgun. Troops pursued the attackers and eliminated them near the scene.
Footage published by Israel’s Channel 14 captured the attack as it unfolded.
Medical teams respond amid gunfire
The danger continued as emergency personnel worked to reach the wounded. In footage from the scene, a responder called on soldiers to take shelter inside a bullet resistant ambulance. Another recording captured a responder describing ongoing gunfire that was preventing the evacuation of casualties.
Magen David Adom said it treated two critically wounded people at the scene. Three other casualties were taken to hospitals in Jerusalem: Shaare Zedek Medical Center said it received two men who were conscious and in moderate condition, while Hadassah Ein Kerem said a man wounded by gunfire arrived in good condition.
IDF enters attackers’ homes
The military response expanded beyond the shooting scene after the two terrorists were eliminated.
“Following the attack, IDF forces are surrounding the city of Hebron and additional villages, entering the terrorists’ homes and operating in the area to thwart terrorism,” the IDF spokesperson said.
The military also released footage of its forces operating in the Hebron area following the attack.
During a subsequent security assessment, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir directed an increase in arrest operations and intelligence efforts in the area, alongside preparations for additional reinforcements to Central Command if needed.
Ammunition found in attackers’ vehicle
Details presented during the assessment indicated that the deputy commander of the Home Front Command’s Ari Battalion and a company commander eliminated the two terrorists after responding to the attack.
A large quantity of ammunition was found in the vehicle used by the attackers. Zamir assessed that the ammunition indicated preparations for a larger attack and said the soldiers’ response had prevented further casualties among civilians and security personnel.
The elimination of the attackers ended the immediate pursuit, but the wider operation continued, with troops searching the Hebron area and restricting access to surrounding communities.
Palestinians report that IDF forces raided the home of the al-Ja’abra family in Hebron. The two terrorists who carried out the attack are Feras and Hamouda al-Ja’abra, both 27 and from the same family.
Update: Two soldiers wounded in this attack later died of their wounds. Read the full update.
