Clash Between Israeli Border Police and Security Guards Near Qalandiya Crossing Ends in Gunfire

An unusual incident occurred on Tuesday near the Qalandiya checkpoint when Israeli Border Police officers in the West Bank were attacked during an operational activity. According to the Border Police, a team en route to a mission was waiting at a gate designated for security forces when a civilian vehicle from the West Bank attempted to enter through the gate into Israel. When officers approached to verify the occupants' identities, several suspects exited the vehicle and began assaulting the officers with punches and chokeholds, attempting to seize their weapons.

One female officer fired a warning shot into the air, but the attack continued. Subsequently, an officer fired at the lower bodies of two suspects after seeing one choking a fellow officer, fearing for his comrades' lives. The injured suspects, later identified as security guards who were not recognized as such during the incident, were lightly wounded and received medical treatment. Several Border Police officers also sustained minor injuries.

The Border Police stated that the circumstances of the event are under investigation, as is standard in such cases.