By Thiloththama Jayasinghe, Jadetimes Staff
T. Jayasinghe is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business News
Incident Overview
The incident saw three Israeli men shot and killed at the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank. The attacker, who has been identified as a Jordanian by the name Maher Jazi, opened fire after approaching the crossing in a truck.
Details of the Attack
Maher Jazi, a 39-year-old Jordanian truck driver, exited his vehicle and began firing near the border terminal. He was countered by the Israeli Defense Forces who killed the attacker. Explosives were also checked in the truck as a precautionary measure.
Victims Identified
The victims, described as guards at the border but not military or police, were identified as: Yohanan Shchori, 61; Yuri Birnbaum, 65; and Adrian Marcelo Podzamczer. Their ages and jobs indicate they were probably civilian contractors.
Jordan's Response
Jordanian officials say they are examining the incident. Since the attack, one of the largest checkpoints for merchandise crossing between Jordan and the West Bank - Allenby Bridge - has been shut down.
Context of the Area
The Allenby Bridge is the only official crossing between Jordan and the West Bank that bypasses Israel. The crossing is crucial to trade and diplomatic relations between Jordan and Israel, with dozens of trucks crossing every day.
Reactions by Israelis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemnation included words of condolences to the victims' families, describing the attacker as a "loathsome terrorist." The crossing was shut, with additional security to counteract other border points.
Hamas and Palestinian Reactions
However, Hamas did not claim responsibility but described the attack as a "natural response" to the war in Gaza. Violence on both sides with highly acclaimed Palestinian and Israeli casualties, especially within the West Bank, continues.
Broader Regional Tensions
This is happening amid surging violence in the West Bank, where more than 600 Palestinians have been killed since October. For the Israeli government, such measures are in defense against the killing of Israelis, while for the Palestinians, such operations only further a self-perpetuating cycle of violence.
