Palestinian Gunman Kills Two in West Bank, Sparking Deadly Outburst of Israeli Settler Violence

In a shocking turn of events, a Palestinian gunman opened fire on an Israeli car in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, killing two people. This incident cast a shadow on a high-level meeting between Palestinian and Israeli delegations meant to reduce surging violence ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In response to the shooting, scores of Israeli settlers went on a violent rampage in the northern West Bank late Sunday, setting dozens of cars and homes on fire. Palestinian medics said one man was killed and four others were badly wounded in what appeared to be the worst outburst of settler violence in decades. Photos and video on social media showed large fires burning throughout the town of Hawara, the scene of the deadly shooting earlier in the day.

The military said it was searching for the attacker, who opened fire on a car on the West Bank’s main highway and fled. Palestinian media said some 30 homes and cars were torched. In response to the violence, West Bank settler leaders called on Israel to withdraw its delegation from the talks and crack down on the Palestinians, while Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, said no.

The incident has raised doubts about Jordan’s declaration that Israeli and Palestinian officials had pledged to calm a year-long wave of violence. It remains to be seen how the two sides will move forward in the wake of this violence.