Fatal Attack at Givat Gilad Farm: Sheikh of Nearby Village Seizes Security Guard's Weapon and Opens Fire

A rare and deadly attack occurred on the morning of June 10 near Givat Gilad farm in the Samaria region, when a group of Israeli hikers was assaulted by dozens of Palestinians near the village of Tal. According to initial reports, during the attack, the local security coordinator's weapon was seized by a Palestinian assailant, identified by witnesses as the sheikh of the village of Tal, who then opened fire on the hikers. The shooting resulted in the death of one Israeli hiker and injuries to three others.

Emergency medical teams, including Magen David Adom and IDF medical personnel, arrived at the scene around 8:18 a.m. and provided treatment to four wounded individuals. One victim, a man in his mid-20s, was evacuated by military helicopter in stable condition, while another was critically wounded and later died despite prolonged resuscitation efforts. Two additional victims were evacuated to Ichilov Hospital with serious gunshot wounds.

The Palestinian Authority reported that four Palestinians from the village of Tal were killed and four others injured during the incident, including three in serious condition. The deceased are reportedly members of the Ramadan family. Israeli security forces are conducting extensive searches to apprehend all those involved. The security coordinator of Givat Gilad later regained control of the stolen weapon.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, stating, "We will act forcefully against the terrorists and their sponsors and will not allow terror in Judea and Samaria to raise its head." He convened a security meeting with the Defense Minister and IDF Chief of Staff to discuss responses to the deadly incident. This attack follows recent arrests of two Palestinians suspected of involvement in a severe arson attack at Givat Gilad, raising concerns about escalating terror activity in the area.