Gunman from Jordan Kills Three Israelis at Border Before Being Shot Dead
- September 9, 2024
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A Jordanian gunman killed three Israelis near the Allenby Bridge before being shot dead. Israeli and Jordanian officials are investigating the incident.
In a deadly incident at the Allenby Bridge border crossing in the West Bank, a Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli civilians on Sunday, September 8, before being fatally shot by Israeli security forces. The attack took place in a commercial cargo area where Jordanian trucks deliver goods to the West Bank, a zone controlled by Israel.
The First Attack Since October’s Hamas Assault
This attack is the first of its kind at the Jordan-Israel border since October 7, when the Palestinian group Hamas launched a large-scale assault on southern Israel, sparking the current war in Gaza. The gunman, identified as Maher Ziab Hussein al-Jazi, a 39-year-old truck driver from the Huwaitat tribe in Jordan, exited his vehicle and opened fire on Israeli security forces.
“The 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 Israeli military confirmed in a statement following the attack.
Civilians Targeted in the Attack
The three victims were Israeli civilians working at the crossing when they were shot at close range. Israeli officials identified them as workers involved in daily operations at the Allenby Bridge, a critical route for commercial goods between Jordan and the West Bank.
“The terrorist was eliminated by the security forces, three Israeli civilians were pronounced dead as a result of the attack,” added Israeli authorities in their statement. The attack occurred in an area used predominantly for commercial cargo, with Jordanian trucks delivering goods to both the Palestinian territories and Israeli markets.
Closure of the Allenby Bridge
As a result of the attack, Jordanian officials announced the immediate closure of the Allenby Bridge, pending an investigation into the shooting. This crossing, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is one of five critical land border crossings between Israel and Jordan and serves as a vital trade link for the more than 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank.
Jordan’s Interior Ministry confirmed the identity of the gunman as a resident of Husseiniya, located in the Ma’an governorate in southern Jordan. Jordan has since launched an investigation into the incident.
Reactions and Celebrations in Jordan
The attack ignited strong reactions in Jordan, where anti-Israeli sentiment runs deep. Hundreds of Jordanians took to the streets in the capital Amman to celebrate the attack, viewing al-Jazi as having avenged the deaths of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
“Today, we are witnessing revenge for our Palestinian brothers,” said one demonstrator. “Al-Jazi’s actions reflect our outrage against Israel’s oppression of Gaza.”
While Jordan and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1994, and the two countries maintain close security ties, public opinion in Jordan often reflects deep dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions toward Palestinians.
Israeli President Calls for Calm
In response to the attack, Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged both countries to remain calm and prevent further violence.
“This is a tragic event, and it is important for all sides to conduct a thorough investigation to avoid repeat incidents,” Herzog stated. “The peace between Israel and Jordan must be preserved for the safety of the entire region.”
Herzog’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, following the escalation of violence between Israel and Palestinian forces in Gaza. The attack is a stark reminder of the fragile peace that exists along the Jordan-Israel border.
A Critical Trade Route Closed
The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, is a key trade and transit route between Jordan and the West Bank, serving Palestinians and Israelis alike. Dozens of trucks cross daily, carrying goods from Jordan and the Gulf states. This closure could have a significant impact on trade and movement between the two nations as investigations continue.
Despite close security cooperation between Israel and Jordan, this incident has rattled officials on both sides, raising concerns about the potential for further violence in the area. The investigation into the shooting will likely take days to resolve, leaving the future of this essential crossing uncertain.
