Hamas Terrorist Acted Alone in Deadly Spring Attack, Security Forces Say

Security officials believe the Hamas operative who killed Natanel Shkaron near the Ein Ra'aya spring acted alone. The 37-year-old terrorist, who came from the Bir Zeit area, had scouted the location the day before the attack, which occurred on the eve of Yom Kippur. He reportedly arrived by car, exited, and opened fire on people at the popular spring, exploiting the large number of visitors preparing for the Jewish holiday.

Shkaron was in his family's vehicle with his 16-year-old son, who witnessed the fatal shooting. A tracker on patrol at the site spotted the terrorist early on and opened fire, wounding him. The attacker returned fire before fleeing. Intelligence indicated the wounded terrorist sought treatment at a hospital in Ramallah.

Special forces from the Duvdevan unit and the Shin Bet security agency apprehended the suspect at the hospital. The vehicle used in the attack and the weapon were also seized. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the terrorist had accomplices or contacts who aided him.

Natanel Shkaron, a resident of the settlement of Ali Zahav and a father of six, succumbed to his wounds at the hospital. He had gone to the spring with his eldest son to immerse before Yom Kippur. He is survived by his wife and six children, ranging in age from four to high school.

Shkaron's funeral was scheduled for that evening in Ali Zahav.