Allenby Bridge, West Bank: A gunman crossing the border from Jordan killed three Israeli civilians at the Allenby Bridge in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, before being shot dead by Israeli security forces, officials confirmed. The incident marks the first attack along the Jordanian border since Hamas launched its assault on southern Israel on October 7, triggering the ongoing Gaza war and heightening regional tensions.
The attack occurred in a commercial cargo area controlled by Israel, where Jordanian trucks offload goods bound for the West Bank. The crossing, known as the Allenby or King Hussein Bridge, is located between Amman and Jerusalem, near the northern end of the Dead Sea.
According to the Israeli military, “A terrorist approached the area of the Allenby Bridge from Jordan in a truck, exited the truck, and opened fire at the Israeli security forces operating at the bridge.” The statement continued, “The terrorist was eliminated by the security forces, three Israeli civilians were pronounced dead as a result of the attack.”
In response, Israel swiftly closed all three of its land border crossings with Jordan, as confirmed by the Israel Airports Authority, which oversees these routes. A Jordanian border official noted that Israeli forces detained at least two dozen Jordanian truck drivers for questioning following the incident.
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Israel and Jordan, who signed a peace treaty in 1994, maintain strong security cooperation. Daily, numerous trailers cross from Jordan, bringing goods from Jordan and Gulf states that supply markets in both the West Bank and Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating, “This is a difficult day. A loathsome terrorist murdered in cold blood three of our civilians.”
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Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri praised the attack, labeling it a response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. “We expect many more similar actions,” he said.
