Hours after a deadly shooting in central Israel killed one person and injured five, Iran-backed Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack. Hamas' armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, stated it carried out the shooting attack in several towns, including Kokhav Yair. The attack began with a shooting Sunday morning at a gas station near the town of Kokhav Yair, located on the Israeli side of the boundary with the occupied West Bank. Several other shootings were reported in two nearby Israeli towns and close to the Israeli settlement of Salit, inside the West Bank.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed revenge, stating that Israel would take decisive action against those responsible. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with security forces on high alert. The Qassam Brigades warned of more attacks, signaling a potential escalation. This comes amid ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas, with the latter receiving support from Iran. The international community has called for restraint, but the situation remains volatile.
