Israeli Soldier Dies After West Bank Shooting Attack Near Halamish

An Israeli soldier, who was critically wounded in a shooting attack near the Halamish settlement in the West Bank, has died from his injuries, Israeli media reported. The attack targeted a group of settlers near the settlement, also known as Nofei Tzur, close to the Palestinian village of Nabi Saleh, northwest of Ramallah. Israeli forces have deployed in large numbers to the area and launched a manhunt for the assailant.

According to Israeli reports, the shooting occurred when a passing vehicle fired at a group of settlers near the Ein Riyya spring, an area controlled by settlers. The identity of the attacker and the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear. Initial reports indicated that several settlers were targeted, and the shooting was carried out from a moving vehicle.

The Israeli military confirmed that extensive forces were pursuing the shooter, implementing roadblocks and closures around Nofei Tzur. An earlier statement from the military acknowledged receiving a report of a shooting in the settlement area and that forces were dispatched to investigate.

Following the incident, Israeli forces intensified their presence, establishing military checkpoints and conducting searches to apprehend the perpetrator. There is currently no confirmed information regarding the attacker's identity or the motives behind the shooting.

Israeli forces have imposed a security cordon around Ramallah and surrounding villages as the manhunt continues. Security officials estimate that the attack was carried out by a single armed individual who exited a vehicle, opened fire, and then fled on foot. Concerns remain about the possibility of further attacks, as the assailant is believed to have escaped with his weapon.

The military announced the closure of the area around the shooting site and all entrances to Ramallah, suspecting the attacker may have fled towards the village of Deir Nizam. Several roads and entrances to nearby villages have been blocked, including Atara, Ein Siniya, and Al-Bireh, while some routes remain open.