An Israeli-American driver was killed in an attack near the occupied West Bank city of Jericho by suspected Palestinian gunmen.
According to Israeli officials, the gunmen carried out several drive-by shootings on the highway near Jericho, killing the Israeli American before escaping. The victim was identified as Elan Ganeles, an Israel Defense Forces veteran from West Hartford, Connecticut.
The shooting occurred after Jewish settlers went on a rampage through Huwara and other Palestinian villages near Nablus in the West Bank, killing one Palestinian civilian and torching dozens of cars and homes in what has been described as a "pogrom" by some Palestinians.
According to the Israeli defence forces, a group of gunmen arrived by car on Route 90 near the Nevo military base and opened fire on an Israeli-owned vehicle. According to the IDF, the terrorists then continued driving and opened fire on another car near the Beit Ha'arava Junction before continuing and shooting at a third car nearby.
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According to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, medics were called to the scene after reports of a car accident. When first responders arrived, they discovered Ganeles, 27, in critical condition with gunshot wounds.
MDA transported the victim to Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, where he died. A statement released by the hospital noted that The injured person was evacuated during resuscitation efforts which also continued at the hospital. Still, unfortunately, the staff had to pronounce him dead.
The drivers of the second Israeli-owned car that was shot at in the area continued driving until they arrived at the nearby Almog Junction, where they reported the incident to authorities. According to the emergency service Rescuers Without Borders, none of the passengers were injured.
US State Department spokesman Ned Price confirmed the deaths in a press briefing, saying that they condemn the horrific killing of two Israeli brothers near Nablus (yesterday) and the killing today of an Israeli near Jericho.
