Three Israeli civilians were killed on Sunday in a shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the attacker approached the crossing from the Jordanian side in a truck before exiting the vehicle and opening fire.
Israeli security forces responded swiftly, neutralising the gunman at the scene. The IDF is currently inspecting the truck for potential explosives. Israeli media outlets, citing medical sources, have reported that the victims were men in their 50s.
Following the attack, both Israel and Jordan closed their respective sides of the border crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge. The Jordanian government has announced it is investigating the incident.
The Allenby Bridge crossing, located roughly midway between Amman and Jerusalem, is a critical passage point and the only official crossing between the West Bank and Jordan. The area where the attack occurred is an Israeli-controlled zone where Jordanian vehicles typically offload goods destined for the West Bank.
Nathmi Muhanna, Director General of the Palestinian Border and Crossings Authority, confirmed that traffic at the bridge has been completely halted in the wake of the incident.
This attack marks a significant breach of security at a key regional crossing, raising concerns about broader security implications and tensions between the neighbouring countries. Authorities on both sides are expected to conduct thorough investigations into the attack and review existing security protocols.
As of now, the identities of the attacker and the motives behind the incident remain unclear. International observers will be closely monitoring the situation for any potential impact on Israeli-Jordanian relations, as well as broader regional stability. Further details are expected as investigations continue.
