In a tragic turn of events on Thursday morning, an act of terrorism unfolded at the Maccabim checkpoint near Modi'in, Israel. A 41-year-old Palestinian man intentionally drove a truck into three young men, all aged 20. One of the victims was critically wounded and later succumbed to his injuries at Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Hospital. The other two young men sustained injuries of varying severity. The assailant did not halt his violent spree at Maccabim; he drove on towards the Hasmonean checkpoint where he was ultimately neutralized by gunfire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel stationed at the border crossing.
According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's emergency medical service, an additional three individuals were slightly injured in a separate car accident caused by a collision with the terrorist's speeding truck. Following the incident, the highway known as Route 443, as well as the Hasmonean checkpoint, were temporarily closed in both directions.
One of the five victims injured in this morning's terrorist ramming attack at the Maccabim checkpoint near Modiin has tragically succumbed to his wounds.
— ILTV News (@ILTVNews) August 31, 2023
We think of his family during this
heartbreaking time. May his memory forever be a blessing🕯️
Upon hearing of the attack, IDF soldiers at the nearby Hashmonaim checkpoint were promptly alerted. They engaged and neutralized the assailant as he arrived at the checkpoint. Subsequent to his neutralization, security forces began a meticulous inspection of the terrorist's truck to ascertain if it contained additional weapons or explosives. Preparations are also underway for the IDF to raid the perpetrator's residence in the Palestinian village of Deir Amar, located in Samaria, and conduct further investigations, including arrests if deemed necessary.
Concurrently, substantial forces from the Central Police District were dispatched to the scene. Minister Bezalel Smotrich arrived to assess the situation and was briefed by Central District Commander Chief Avi Biton. Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai is also expected to make an appearance. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been receiving regular updates on the unfolding situation.
A Palestinian terrorist rammed three people with his car at the Maccabim checkpoint, entered Israel and drove to the Hashmonaim checkpoint 2 miles away and tried doing the same.
— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) August 31, 2023
This attack is yet another reason many will argue that Palestinians should not be allowed into… pic.twitter.com/jxPk4Cjmir
Further details have emerged about the terrorist, who was married and a father to five children. According to Police Superintendent Biton of the Central District, the attacker possessed a work permit for Israel. Contrary to initial reports, he did not pass through the Maccabim checkpoint but gained entry from the Nelin checkpoint utilizing his work permit. He then navigated along a road leading from the settlement of Nili, eventually arriving at the Shilat intersection. There, he made a U-turn and proceeded to run over the three young men who were positioned by the roadside.
An IDF spokesperson confirmed, "We received a report of a vehicular attack at the Maccabim checkpoint, and the terrorist was neutralized accordingly." The emergency call detailing the incident was logged at MDA's 101 hotline at approximately 9:00 AM. Medical teams swiftly attended to the wounded and facilitated their evacuation to various hospitals: three were transported to Shamir Assaf Harofeh Hospital in Be'er Ya'akov, two to Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem, and another to Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan.
🚨 Breaking: A vehicular ramming attack has taken place at the Maccabim checkpoint. According to initial reports, 3 injured 20-year-olds have been evacuated to hospital, 2 in serious condition & 1 in mild condition. The truck driver responsible has been neutralized after fleeing.
— HonestReporting (@HonestReporting) August 31, 2023
As Israel grapples with this devastating act of terrorism, the country remains united in its resolve to defend its citizens and ensure their safety.
