Two Israelis have been killed after a terrorist opened fire at Israel’s Allenby Crossing with Jordan on Thursday afternoon, according to Hebrew media reports.
The Magen David Adom medical emergency response group confirmed that its paramedics were treating two men, one in his 60s and one in his 20s, with gunshot wounds.
Medics have since declared both victims dead, according to the latest reports. The gunman is understood to have been “neutralised” at the scene. His condition was not immediately clear.
Hebrew media is reporting that the suspect arrived in an aid truck heading for the Gaza Strip. Per Channel 12, he was involved in aid distribution and held an Israeli permit.
According to the Times of Israel, he opened fire with a handgun but left his truck when it jammed and set upon the victims with a knife, before being shot by border security officers.
Images from the scene circulating on social media show a spent handgun and a bloodied knife discarded on the ground.
An IDF spokesperson said: “Following the initial report regarding a shooting adjacent to the Allenby Crossing, a terrorist arrived in a truck transporting humanitarian aid from Jordan, and opened fire.
“The security forces neutralised the terrorist at the scene.
“IDF troops are currently conducting searches in the area and encircling Jericho.”
This is the second shooting attack at the crossing in recent months, with the last coming just over a year ago.
On September 8 last year, a Jordanian terrorist opened fire at the Allenby Crossing, murdering three Israelis. Israel’s military said that the terrorist drove in a truck to the crossing from the Jordanian side. He then exited the vehicle and began firing at forces guarding the crossing.
Following that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to work with Jordan to strengthen the Jewish state’s eastern border and maintain “peace and security” in the frontier region.
“In this multifront battle, we know we need to secure our eastern border with Jordan. It is a border of peace,” the prime minister declared. “We cooperate with the Kingdom of Jordan to ensure that it remains so.”
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.