Northern Negev Residents Report Intense Gunfire, Evoking October 7th Fears

Residents of Givot Bar, a community in the northern Negev near Rahat, reported experiencing intense automatic gunfire and machine-gun fire for approximately four hours on the morning of the holiday. The sounds, which began in the early morning hours and significantly intensified around 6:30 AM, reminded residents of the start of the Hamas attack on October 7th. Residents described the gunfire as heavy bursts of automatic weapons, sounding like an infiltration into the community, and noted that it continued intermittently throughout the night and morning.

Multiple calls were made to the police during the incident, but residents claim the shooting did not stop and even intensified. The community manager, Billy, stated that the situation has become unbearable and that residents feel exposed and helpless without the ability to activate the local security team. Residents also reported that such shooting incidents have been occurring in the area for about a week with no improvement despite their complaints.

When residents contacted emergency services, they were reportedly told that patrols had been dispatched but the source of the gunfire could not be located. This lack of resolution has heightened anxiety among residents, with some questioning whether armed individuals are already within the community. In response to the ongoing situation and perceived lack of effective action, residents are now considering forming an independent force to locate the source of the shooting.

The police stated that two suspects were arrested for investigation on the morning of the incident, and three additional suspects were arrested in recent days, with firearms and ammunition seized. Police in Rahat confirmed ongoing operational activity in the area.