Israel says three killed in attack on West Bank-Jordan border

Three Israeli men have been shot dead at a border crossing between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, Israeli officials say.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said a gunman approached the Allenby Bridge from the Jordanian side in a truck, then got out and opened fire.

Security forces “eliminated” the gunman and the IDF inspected the truck for signs of explosives, according to a statement.

Jordan said it was investigating the incident, which occurred in an Israeli-controlled area where Jordanian vehicles unload goods into the West Bank. The border crossing is now closed on both sides.

An Israeli official told AFP that those killed were security personnel, not military or police.

Video footage shows the attacker walking up to the station and firing three shots before being shot dead.

A Jordanian border official told Reuters that at least two dozen Jordanian truck drivers at the unloading area were detained by Israeli troops for questioning.

The Israel Aviation Authority said all land border crossings between Israel and Jordan were closed following the incident.

The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, lies between Amman and Jerusalem and is the only official crossing point between the West Bank and Jordan. It is also the only entry point into the West Bank that does not pass through Israel.

Jordan and Israel maintain security, trade and diplomatic relations – although Jordan criticizes Israel’s actions against Palestinians.

Dozens of trucks pass through Jordan every day to supply goods to markets in both the West Bank and Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “difficult day” and offered condolences to the victims’ families at the start of a cabinet meeting.

“A despicable terrorist brutally murdered three of our citizens at Allenby Bridge,” he added.

Hamas officials praised the attack, claiming it was a response to Israel’s offensive on Gaza, but did not claim responsibility.

More than 600 Palestinians have been killed in a wave of violence in the West Bank since Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

Last week, Israeli forces withdrew from the city of Jenin and its refugee camp – an area in the West Bank – after a major nine-day operation there, a militant stronghold and home to around 60,000 civilians.

Israel says it is trying to stop deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis in the West Bank and Israel, and is acting against terrorism.