Israeli security forces have killed a Palestinian suspect, Nael Samara, believed to be connected to the recent West Bank shooting that claimed the life of Tzeela Gez, a pregnant Israeli woman. The incident occurred Saturday during an ongoing IDF and Shin Bet operation in the village of Burukin, near Bruchin in northern Samaria. Samara reportedly charged toward soldiers, shouting “Allahu Akbar” while carrying a suspicious bag believed to be rigged with explosives. Troops opened fire, killing him on the spot.
A second suspect was arrested during follow-up searches and is currently being interrogated by the Shin Bet. According to security sources, at least one of the two is suspected of direct involvement in the attack that killed Gez.
The attack occurred last Wednesday night, as Tzeela Gez and her husband Chanan’el were driving to a hospital for the birth of their fourth child. Chanan’el was wounded in the attack but released from the hospital. Their baby was successfully delivered by emergency C-section and remains in critical but stable condition at Schneider Children’s Hospital.
Security Clampdown in the Area
The villages of Burukin and Az-Zawiya remain under tight lockdown as the IDF conducts intensive sweeps in the area. Operations include engineer-supported searches, during which a water pipe exploded, and the deployment of elite surveillance and tracking units. To date, over 40 individuals have been interrogated, and security footage and intelligence analysis continue to play a critical role in the investigation.
Weapons Seized During the Operation
Search teams uncovered a cache of weapons, including: three M-16 assault rifles, four combat vests, and multiple grenades and explosive devices. Additionally a handgun, trigger-ready bombs and tactical gear were recovered.
In a related raid in Tubas, IDF Duvdevan Unit commandos killed five more militants and arrested another who was described as being involved in “significant terrorist activity.”
