A pregnant Israeli woman was killed, newborn was critically injured after the terror attack on Route 446 in the West Bank

A brutal terror shooting on Route 446 in the northern West Bank claimed the life of a 30-year-old pregnant Israeli woman, Tzeela Gez, who was on her way to the hospital to deliver her fourth child. The attack happened late Wednesday night between the Bruchin and Pedu’el settlements, leaving Gez critically wounded and her husband lightly injured.

Paramedics rushed Gez to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, where doctors immediately performed an emergency C-section. The newborn was transferred in serious condition to Schneider Children’s Hospital nearby, where medical staff fought to save his life. Tragically, Gez succumbed to her injuries early Thursday morning.

Her husband, Hananel, was driving during the shooting and suffered only minor wounds, a hospital spokesperson confirmed after initially listing his condition as serious.

The Israel Defence Forces swiftly launched a manhunt for the gunman, deploying troops and an Israeli Air Force drone to the area. Soldiers sealed off and blocked access to the nearby Palestinian town of Bruqin as part of the search operation.

Palestinian reports indicated some residents were forced to spend the night in their vehicles after being prevented from entering their homes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deep shock at the “horrific terrorist attack.” He condemned the “abhorrent incident” as a stark reminder of the divide between those who cherish life and terrorists bent on destruction.

Since Hamas’s attack from Gaza on October 7, 2023, violence in the West Bank has surged dramatically. The Israel Defence Forces have arrested over 6,000 Palestinians, including more than 2,350 with Hamas links. Palestinian Authority health ministry figures indicate over 950 Palestinians have died during this period, most in clashes or confrontations involving militants or rioters.

Meanwhile, the violence has seen a disturbing rise in settler attacks against Palestinians, further escalating tensions. Since the outbreak of conflict, 52 people—including Israeli security personnel—have been killed in terror incidents across Israel and the West Bank. Additionally, eight security force members have died in confrontations with terror operatives in the region.

This latest deadly shooting, striking at the heart of an expectant mother’s journey to bring new life into the world, has once again cast a grim shadow over the volatile West Bank, underscoring the tragic human cost of ongoing conflict.