Palestinian Photographer Documents Deadly Hebron Attack, IDF Praises Soldiers

A Palestinian photographer for Agence France-Presse (AFP), Hazem Bader, was present at the scene of a fatal shooting attack near Hebron on Friday, where two Israeli soldiers were killed. Bader captured real-time images of the Hamas-affiliated terrorists, identified as Hamuda Al-Ja'aba and Fares Samir Muhammad Al-Ja'aba, during an exchange of fire. He also photographed their bodies after they were neutralized by Israeli forces. The two slain soldiers were identified as Sergeant Ron Yonatan Reitman, 23, from Ashkelon, and Sergeant Yuval Shi Sulem, 20, from Hod Hasharon. Three other soldiers sustained light injuries in the attack.

AFP has vehemently denied any prior knowledge of the attack by Bader, stating he was not interrogated by security forces, a fact later confirmed. The investigation into the attack suggests the two terrorists emerged from a vehicle and opened fire, engaging in a firefight lasting over 20 minutes. Additional forces arrived, including a deputy battalion commander and a company commander, who eventually surrounded and eliminated the attackers.

During a search of the terrorists' vehicle, a large quantity of ammunition was discovered, indicating a potential plan for a significant attack against civilians. Authorities are investigating whether the attack was orchestrated by an external entity or was a local initiative. The investigation is ongoing to determine the terrorists' intended target, as both were killed before reaching it.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ayal Zamir commended the soldiers of the Home Front Command's Ari Battalion for their swift actions, stating their response prevented a more severe attack. "Their quick action prevented an even more serious attack and further harm to civilians and security forces," Zamir said during a situation assessment at the Judea Brigade. In response to the attack, a lockdown was imposed on Hebron and Dura, restricting entry and exit. A security measure known as "Gray Barrier," involving the inspection of Palestinian vehicles on main roads, was implemented across the Central Command, with heightened security also in the Jenin, Nablus, and Jericho areas.

Security forces are conducting extensive searches and mapping the homes of the two terrorists, who were reportedly relatives and lived near each other in Hebron. Arrests of individuals connected to them are anticipated as part of the investigation into potential links with other parties.