Couple Shot Dead in Kfar Qasim on Way to Work, Police Suspect Land Feud

A husband and wife were shot dead early Thursday in Kfar Qasim, in Israel’s Sharon region, while driving to work. Khaled Jamal, in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, in her 50s, was critically wounded and later died at Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba.

Police said they have opened an investigation and are searching for the shooters. The couple was attacked in their car as they were heading to work, and the woman was evacuated to the hospital during resuscitation efforts after suffering gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe the killing stems from a seven-year land dispute between families in Kfar Qasim. According to the police assessment, there had been a reconciliation agreement between the sides, but the murder took place after that truce expired.

The double killing comes amid a surge in violence in Arab society. Since the start of the year, 132 Arab citizens have been killed. Last year saw a record 252 Arab citizens killed in incidents of violence and crime, up about 10% from 2024, when 230 victims were recorded across 218 separate incidents.