Israeli Citizen Killed in Terror Attack Near Kedumim; Suspect Still at Large

KEDUMIM, WEST BANK — A terrorist attack near the West Bank settlement of Kedumim resulted in the death of an Israeli citizen on Sunday, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

The incident, which occurred earlier in the day, has led to a manhunt for the assailant, who stole the victim’s weapon during the attack. The victim, identified as a man in his forties, was subjected to severe head injuries, reportedly inflicted with a hammer.

United Hatzalah, a volunteer emergency medical service, was among the first responders on the scene. The organization’s paramedics, alongside IDF medical corps personnel, administered initial treatment to the victim in the factory yard where the attack took place.

United Hatzalah paramedic Shirel Popkin described the harrowing situation upon arrival.

“The victim is a man in his forties who has sustained severe head injuries. I administered initial medical treatment in the factory yard, assisted by an army doctor who evacuated him from the scene in an IDF armored vehicle towards an IDF intensive care ambulance that transported him to the hospital,” Popkin said.

Despite the urgent medical intervention, the Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus reported that the victim did not survive his injuries. The hospital confirmed that after medical efforts were exhausted, the victim was pronounced dead.

Following the attack, security forces launched a pursuit operation to apprehend the assailant. The IDF has not released further details about the suspect or the progress of the search. In the wake of the incident, residents of Kedumim were instructed to stay indoors and secure their homes as a precautionary measure.

The attack has heightened security concerns in the area, and the IDF continues to bolster its presence in the region as part of its response. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

The incident marks a troubling escalation in violence in the West Bank, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by Israeli citizens and military personnel in the region. The IDF and other security agencies are working diligently to ensure the safety of local residents and bring the perpetrator to justice.

The community and officials await further updates as the investigation into the attack progresses.