Video snippet of the terrorist after a bystander shot him (@ImtiazMadmood/X)

Terrorist From Gaza Kills One, Injures Several On Highway Near Ashdod

Details
The Judean Staff
National

In a violent and brazen act of terrorism, an Islamist terrorist launched a brutal shooting spree on Highway 4 near Ashdod, leaving one Israeli police officer dead and multiple civilians wounded. The deadly attack occurred during a late-morning assault that unfolded across multiple locations, spreading chaos and fear among those caught in its wake. In what is a startling twist, according to Hallel Bitton Rosen of Channel 14 News, the terrorist, named as Mohammed Bassam Khalil Dardona, originally comes from the Jabaliya neighborhood in the Gaza Strip, and moved to Ramallah in southern Samaria where he has been living illegally.

Attack Unfolds: Multiple Shooting Incidents

The attack began near the Yavne interchange at approximately 11:06 AM, when reports flooded Magen David Adom's (MaDA - the Israeli Emergency medical service) emergency hotline about gunfire and multiple injuries. The assailant, later identified as an Islamist terrorist, targeted a police officer first, shooting him at close range. The officer, who sustained critical injuries, was found lying on the roadside, unresponsive, with gunshot wounds to his body.

Emergency responders, including paramedics and medics from MaDA, rushed to the scene to provide life-saving treatment, attempting to resuscitate the officer. Tragically, despite their efforts, the officer succumbed to his wounds en route to Assuta Hospital in Ashdod.

Simultaneously, the terrorist continued his rampage, firing indiscriminately at passing vehicles. At the Nir Galim intersection, another victim, a 42-year-old man, was wounded by glass shards after a bullet shattered his vehicle's windows. His injuries were described as mild to moderate, and he was transported to Assuta Hospital for treatment.

Emergency Response: MaDA and Police Statements

MaDA Spokesperson, in a swift response, issued an urgent statement:
"At 11:06, reports were received about two shooting incidents on Highway 4 near the Yavne interchange and the Nir Galim intersection. Our medics provided medical treatment to two wounded individuals, including a 30-year-old man in critical condition at the Yavne interchange and a 42-year-old man in moderate condition at the Nir Galim intersection."

The municipality of Yavne urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid the area as police established roadblocks and cordoned off sections of Highway 4. The circumstances surrounding the attack initially prompted uncertainty, with authorities hesitant to confirm whether the incident was criminal or terror-related.

However, after an initial investigation and mounting evidence, Israeli Police officially classified the incident as a terrorist attack. A police spokesperson stated:
"Central District officers are continuing the investigation of this terrorist attack. The terrorist approached the main road on foot, shot a policeman, and mortally wounded him. He then continued his shooting spree, injuring four civilians before being neutralized by a courageous civilian."

Assuta Ashdod Hospital: Life-and-Death Struggles

Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, which received several of the wounded, confirmed that the police officer had tragically passed away during transport. The hospital's spokesperson, Ohad Yehezkal, provided an update:
"Two patients from the shooting incident on Route 4 were brought to our hospital. One patient died on the way, while another is being treated for moderate injuries in our trauma room. We are informed about two more victims, one of whom is a hospital doctor who stopped to assist at the scene."

At Kaplan Medical Center, a third victim, a 37-year-old man, was treated for a gunshot wound to the thigh. Medical staff there rushed to perform a series of tests as they stabilized his condition in the shock room.

Bravery Amidst Chaos

Among the injured was a doctor from Assuta Hospital who had stopped to help during the attack, demonstrating remarkable courage as he risked his own safety to provide aid. The doctor, along with several other civilians, was rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment as authorities worked tirelessly to secure the area.

Magen David Adom's medic, Avner Ben David, who was one of the first responders at the scene, recounted the harrowing moments:
"We arrived with large forces and found a man in his 30s on the side of the road, unconscious and without a pulse. We started CPR immediately and rushed him to the hospital in critical condition. Unfortunately, he could not be saved."

A Deadly Reminder of Terror Threat

This attack on Highway 4 is a chilling reminder of the ever-present threat posed by Islamist terrorism in Israel. What began as an ordinary day in Yavne turned into a nightmare as the terrorist ruthlessly targeted both law enforcement and civilians.

As the investigation continues, Israeli security forces remain on high alert, conducting sweeps and questioning witnesses to determine if the terrorist had any accomplices. The Central District police praised the quick actions of civilians who neutralized the attacker, preventing further bloodshed.

Israelis across the nation are grieving the loss of the brave police officer who fell in the line of duty, while also praying for the swift recovery of the injured. Prime Minister's Office issued a brief statement condemning the attack, vowing to bring all those responsible for instigating such violence to justice:
"We will not rest until every terrorist who seeks to harm our people is stopped and brought to account. We stand united in our commitment to protect Israeli lives and uphold the security of our nation."

Sign Up For The Judean Newsletter

 I agree with the Terms and conditions and the Privacy policy

About Us

The Judean is a weekly digital blog highlighting Israel's vibrant Democracy, rich culture, and complex history. Through compelling op-eds, and featured articles, The Judean brings the real Israel into focus. 'From The River To The Sea' Israel is truly free.
Modi'in, Israel 71702
+975-50-226-6956
info@thejudean.com