A Palestinian gunman has killed two individuals in a violent attack in northern Israel, prompting a swift response from Israeli authorities. The incident occurred in Qabaitya, where the assailant opened fire, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman, who were pronounced dead at the scene despite medical efforts to resuscitate them. Additionally, a teenager sustained injuries during the attack.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the assault, describing it as a “rolling terror attack.” He has ordered the military to respond forcefully in Qabaitya to prevent any further violence. The Israeli military has announced that it is “preparing for an operation” in the region.
The attack is part of a broader pattern of violence in the area. On Thursday, an Israeli reservist allegedly rammed his vehicle into a Palestinian man who was praying by the roadside in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that the reservist had previously discharged his weapon in the vicinity. The military stated that the individual acted “in severe violation of his authority,” and his weapon has been confiscated. The reservist is currently under house arrest.
Video footage verified by Reuters, aired on Palestinian television, shows a man in civilian clothing driving an off-road vehicle into a person praying on the roadside. Following the incident, the Palestinian man sought medical evaluation but was found to have sustained no injuries and has since returned home.
According to data from the United Nations, 2023 has seen one of the highest rates of violence recorded against Palestinians in the West Bank. More than 750 individuals have been injured as a result of Israeli civilian attacks. Between October 7, 2023, and October 17, 2025, over a thousand Palestinians have lost their lives, predominantly during operations by Israeli security forces and incidents involving settler violence. In the same timeframe, 57 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks.
The escalating violence underscores the fragile situation in the region, drawing international attention and concern. The Israeli government faces mounting pressure to address the ongoing conflict and protect both Israeli and Palestinian lives.
