IDF prepares to demolish homes of terrorists who carried out West Bank shooting attack

The Israeli military is preparing to demolish the homes of two terrorists involved in a fatal shooting attack that occurred on Friday. The IDF announced Sunday that forces had mapped the residences of both the gunman and the individual who allegedly stole the weapon used in the assault.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 27-year-old Maj. Yuval Ezra and 32-year-old Chief Sgt. First Class (res.) Benayahu Melet. The IDF stated that the incident began when a group of Israeli civilians illegally crossed into Palestinian Authority-controlled territory for hiking. According to the military, Palestinians confronted the hikers, initiating a rock-throwing confrontation before gunfire erupted.

However, the Palestinian Authority's Health Ministry reported that at least four Palestinians were killed and four others wounded during the exchange. Essam Saifi, a local Fatah leader, offered a different account to Reuters, claiming that approximately 25 to 30 Israeli settlers entered the area, attacked residents, and attempted to break into homes, leading locals to confront them, at which point the settlers allegedly opened fire. The differing narratives highlight the complex and often contested nature of events in the region.