Palestinian Killed, Settler Critically Injured in West Bank Stabbing Attack

A Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces on Monday near the town of Awarta, east of Nablus, in the occupied West Bank. The incident followed a stabbing attack that critically injured a 20-year-old Israeli settler. Israeli forces imposed a lockdown on surrounding villages following the event.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the deceased as Mahmoud Mohammed Arabi Mohsen, 34, who was shot by Israeli forces in the town of Qabalan. Reports from the Israeli military stated that the Palestinian arrived by vehicle at a settlement farm, exited his car, and stabbed the settler multiple times before fleeing the scene. Medical teams and army personnel provided initial treatment to the settler, whose injuries were classified as serious to moderate.

Reinforcements from the Israeli army and police were deployed to the area. The military claimed that its forces later encountered the Palestinian suspect near his vehicle in the Qabalan area, where he allegedly attempted to stab soldiers. The commander of a company from the 411th Battalion then reportedly opened fire, killing him.

Following the incident, Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz threatened a "comprehensive war" in the West Bank, including the potential expulsion of Palestinians and the assassination of Palestinian Authority officials. Katz stated that if Palestinian Authority security forces open fire, or if they are found to be preparing for an attack similar to October 7th, the army would be directed to prepare for a full-scale war against PA leadership and infrastructure in the West Bank, aiming for a swift resolution. He vowed not to allow a return to prolonged intifada-like situations, emphasizing targeted assassinations of senior officials, evacuation of residents from areas where attacks originate, and destruction of infrastructure.