The attacker infiltrated into Israel by using an agricultural crossing of the Israeli barrier meant for Palestinian farmers to access fields on the other side of the border fence.[4] The attack started at around 8:00 PM local time when Hamarsheh began firing at apartment balconies. The gunman then switched to targeting passersby on HaShnaim street, killing two pedestrians at a grocery store and a car driver.[5][6] Hamarsheh tried to shoot another resident but the gun jammed.[7]
He then left for Herzl street where he saw 29-year-old rabbi Avishai Yehezkel, who was taking his two-year-old baby in a baby stroller on a walk. Hamarsheh opened fire at Yehezkel, killing him.[8] Hamarsheh engaged in a gun battle with two police officers who were called in to confront him, leading to the terrorist's death. An officer was brought to Rabin Medical Center where he died from his injuries.[9][6]
In 2011, Hamarsheh had made plans to commit a suicide bombing and established contact with officials from Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for assistance. The plan fell apart after a defected PIJ operative called the police on Hamarsheh.[15]
Hamarsheh's family, which traditionally has worked in the tobacco industry, was described by courts as "law-abiding" and family members expressed their shock at the attack. Hamarsheh's father said that he had last seen his son during lunchtime, a few hours before the shootings.[15]
Aftermath
As the results of the attack became known on Israeli TV, multiple videos showing celebrations at Jenin near the terrorist's home village of Ya'abad were posted on social media. These were later documented and distributed on the Israeli media.[16]
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett released a statement condemning the attack and announced increased security measures over the following days.[1]
Neil Wigan and Dimiter Tzantchev, the British and European Union ambassadors to Israel respectively, were the first foreign representatives to condemn the killings.[17]
President of the Palestinian National AuthorityMahmoud Abbas said that "the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians only leads the situation to deteriorate" in an official statement.[18] French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack and said his thoughts were "with the victims and their loved ones".[19]Abdullah II of Jordan issued a condemnation the following day.[20]