On Sunday, a Jordanian truck driver shot and killed three Israeli guards at the Allenby Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan before being killed himself, according to the Israeli military. The attack, carried out by Jordanian national Maher Diab Hussein al-Jazi, occurred as Israel continued its airstrikes on Gaza.
The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is a crucial border crossing in the Jordan Valley and serves as a primary international gateway for Palestinians from the West Bank. This incident adds to the ongoing violence in the region, which has escalated over the past year amid the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attacker, labeling him a “despicable terrorist” driven by a “murderous ideology,” which he attributed to Iranian influence. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility, stating that it represents Arab opposition to Israeli actions in Palestine and Jordan.
In recent months, violence in the West Bank has surged, particularly since the start of the Gaza war on October 7. Israeli raids have resulted in numerous casualties, with recent operations in the northern West Bank killing at least 36 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Palestinian attacks have claimed the lives of at least 23 Israelis.
The conflict has had devastating impacts, with over 1,200 deaths in Israel and significant casualties in Gaza, where retaliatory strikes have killed over 40,000 people, according to local health authorities. The UN reports that many of these casualties are women and children.
As Israeli airstrikes continue, Gaza remains under severe strain, with residents facing relentless bombardments and displacement. International efforts to mediate a ceasefire, involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are ongoing, but a resolution remains elusive.
Protests have erupted in Israel, with demonstrators calling for an end to the war and the release of hostages. Recent protests in Tel Aviv have drawn tens of thousands of participants demanding action and an end to the conflict.
The situation remains dire, with no immediate end in sight for the violence affecting both Israelis and Palestinians.