A deadly shooting attack took place last night (Wednesday) near the entrance to the community of Brukhin, in the area of the Ephraim Brigade. A terrorist opened fire on Tzala Gez, of blessed memory, while she was on her way to the delivery room. This morning, Rabin Medical Center – Beilinson Campus confirmed her death, after an intense struggle to save her life. During treatment in the trauma unit, an emergency cesarean section was performed in an attempt to save the baby.
The infant is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit at Schneider Children’s Medical Center. Hospital teams fought through the night to stabilize him, and his condition is now described as critical but stable. Tzala’s husband, Hananel, who was lightly wounded in the attack and treated in the trauma room, has been released from the hospital.
“Terror will not defeat the Israeli spirit”
President Isaac Herzog wrote this morning on his X account:
“The murder of Tzala Gez, of blessed memory, on her way to give birth, is a heinous act of terrorism that chills the heart. At the very moment of bringing life, life was taken with cruelty. My heart is with the grieving family and all who loved her and are now deeply shaken. We all pray for the baby’s survival and for the recovery of her wounded husband, Hananel. Terror will not defeat the Israeli spirit. We will pursue terrorism wherever it hides and will not rest. May her memory be a blessing!”
“Those who support terror will pay a heavy price”
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a statement following the announcement of Tzala’s murder:
“I extend my condolences to the family of Tzala Gez, of blessed memory, who was murdered by bloodthirsty human beasts while on her way to the hospital to give birth. I pray for the baby’s survival and the full recovery of her husband, who was wounded in this despicable attack in Samaria.
We will continue to fight terrorism with force throughout Judea and Samaria, and will not allow it to raise its head.”
The minister noted that he had instructed the IDF to identify the origin of the attackers and act powerfully against their village or the residence of those who sent them, in order to eliminate the terrorists and destroy all terror infrastructure—just as has been done in previous cases.
“We will maintain offensive operations to pursue the terrorists and their backers,” he added. “Anyone who supports or shelters terrorism will pay a heavy price.”
A devoted, beloved, and smiling woman
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, said this morning:
“Tzala was a devoted, beloved, and smiling woman who only wanted to live a quiet life—and was murdered on her way to bring new life. Jewish blood must not be spilled like water. This is a repeated terror zone, and the State of Israel’s response cannot end with a press release.
I demand that the security establishment treat this area as it does Gaza—flatten the terror nests. This road has already seen four attacks; it should look like Jabaliya.”
Dagan added:
“The settlements in Samaria will not break. We will keep building, we will continue to hold fast to our land—we will populate Samaria. We will defeat terrorism.”
Meital Ben Yossef, Chairwoman of the Brukhin Community Committee, paid tribute to Tzala:
“Our hearts are broken. We send our deepest condolences to the Gez family and wish a full recovery to the father. Once again, we are forced to pay a blood price simply for being Jews living in our land.
But our brothers’ blood will not be forsaken—we will continue to build, to cling to the land, and to spread light and life here in Brukhin and across the country. On behalf of all Brukhin’s residents, I ask that everyone pray for the recovery of the father and the baby, and I promise—you will not be alone. We are all with you.”
The hunt for the shooters
IDF forces are in pursuit of the terrorist reported to have carried out the shooting. In the meantime, troops have surrounded the nearby village of Burqin. Central Command Chief Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth and Judea and Samaria Division Commander Brig. Gen. Yaki Dolf conducted a situational assessment at the scene, which was reinforced by the Air Force and special units.
The IDF imposed a closure on Palestinian villages near the attack site as part of the effort to capture the terrorist, who carried out the shooting from a passing vehicle. Security forces are setting up roadblocks and continuing a broad search of the area, aiming to locate and arrest the suspect.
This morning, IDF forces also operated in Tammun, Tubas, and Barta’a in the Menashe Territorial Brigade sector, where they located several weapons and other combat gear. Exchanges of fire are ongoing, and hits on terrorists have been reported.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded last night:
“I am deeply shocked by the horrific attack in Samaria against a pregnant woman and her husband, as they were on their way to the delivery room. This vile incident reflects the stark difference between us—lovers and bringers of life—and the contemptible terrorists whose purpose in life is to murder and destroy.
I trust our security forces to reach the murderers swiftly and bring justice to them and all who helped them.”
