Couple Shot Dead in Kfar Qasim in Suspected Land Dispute Killing

A man and his wife were shot dead early Thursday in Kfar Qasim, in the Sharon region, while driving to work. The husband, Khaled Jamal, in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, in her 50s, was evacuated in critical condition to Meir Medical Center, where doctors later pronounced her dead after prolonged resuscitation efforts.

Police opened an investigation and began searching for the shooters. According to the police assessment, the motive was a land dispute in Kfar Qasim between two families that has lasted seven years. Initial information indicates that the sides had previously reached a reconciliation agreement, and investigators believe the attack took place after that agreement expired.

The killings add to the wave of escalating violence in Arab society. Since the start of the year, 132 Arab citizens have been murdered. Last year set a record, with 252 Arab citizens killed in violent and criminal circumstances, about 10% more than in 2024, when 230 victims were recorded. Those killings occurred across 218 separate violent and criminal incidents.