Israel: Manhunt Continues For Suspected Shooter
On Monday, Israeli security forces resumed searching in and around the Shaufat refugee camp for the suspected gunman in an attack that killed an Israeli soldier at an East Jerusalem checkpoint on Saturday. Local media have identified the alleged shooter as 22-year-old Udai Tamimi.
Facts
- On Monday, Israeli security forces resumed searching in and around the Shaufat refugee camp for the suspected gunman in an attack that killed an Israeli soldier at an East Jerusalem checkpoint on Saturday. Local media have identified the alleged shooter as 22-year-old Udai Tamimi.
- This comes as Yamam, the Israeli special forces, raided the suspect's home on Sunday morning and arrested four people in connection to the attack, including Tamimi's brother, who reportedly turned himself in.
- On Saturday night, the suspect allegedly arrived at the Shuafat crossing and fired at security forces, fatally wounding 18-year-old female Israeli soldier Sergeant Noa Lazer from Bat Hafer, and injuring at least two others.
- This came as, earlier in the day, the Israeli military allegedly killed two Palestinian teenagers during a raid in the Jenin refugee camp - which is deemed a stronghold of Palestinians militants - amid the deadliest round of fighting in the area in seven years.
- With the shooting and raid coming on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, Israel said its initial plans of limiting West Bank closures to just the first and the last day of Sukkot could be expanded, with officials reportedly meeting Monday night to discuss an extension.
- Israel has controlled East Jerusalem since 1967, but Palestinians consider the territory as part of their future state. US-brokered peace talks between Israel and Palestine aimed at establishing a Palestinian state collapsed in 2014, and there has been no sign of revival.
Sources: Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post, i24, PBS NewsHour, and Al Jazeera.
Narratives
- Pro-Palestine, as provided by Middle East Eye. Once again the occupation forces have shown their disregard for justice and Palestinian dignity. While hunting for the suspected shooter, Israel is committing war crimes by promoting collective punishment against the entire Palestinian community living in the Shuafat refugee camp. Residents are locked inside the camp like prisoners, without access to healthcare and basic supplies, and on the brink of tragedy.
- Pro-Israel, as provided by Jerusalem Post. This attack has shown that Israeli security forces must be ready to operate on multiple fronts, reinforcing the importance of Operation Break the Wave, which is intended to tackle rampant terrorism, and is expected to continue as long as necessary. The longer it takes, however, the more vulnerable Israel becomes both in the northern border and the West Bank due to logistical support problems.
