Israeli military officials have confirmed that the terrorist responsible for the deadly shooting near Bruchin, which claimed the life of Tze’ela Gez, has been killed. Additionally, two other individuals were taken into custody by the Shin Bet for questioning.
The targeted operation unfolded last Shabbos when soldiers from the IDF’s Ephraim Brigade, working on intelligence provided by the Shin Bet, carried out a sweep in the village of Burqin, not far from the site of the attack. During the search, a man approached the troops, shouting in Arabic and carrying a suspicious bag. Believing their lives were in danger, the soldiers responded with lethal force. None of the soldiers were harmed.
Further investigation conducted by the Shin Bet, along with IDF personnel and the Judea and Samaria District Police, identified the attacker as Nael Samara. He had a history of terrorism-related offenses, having served time in prison for ties to Hamas. He was released in 2010 and was briefly held again in 2019 for posting inciting material on social media.
The contents of the bag confirmed his intentions—it held an M16 rifle and other arms linked to the shooting. Police forensics teams gathered the weapons as part of their efforts to trace anyone else involved in the attack.
As the investigation widened, several more individuals suspected of being connected to the same terror network were apprehended by Israeli forces. Authorities believe the group is responsible for at least three other recent shootings in the region, including an incident in March near Ariel where an Israeli civilian sustained moderate injuries.
Tze’ela Gez was critically injured while riding in a car with her husband, Chananel. The couple had been en route to the hospital as she neared the end of her pregnancy with their fourth child. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries. Doctors performed an emergency C-section to save the baby, who remains in critical but stable condition. Chananel suffered only minor wounds and was released from the hospital later that day.
Yesterday morning, after Shacharis at the Gez residence, a rare and emotional naming ceremony was held for the infant. Due to his fragile state, a bris was not performed. The name “Ravid Chaim” was given, a name that had been chosen by Tze’ela before her death. After the name was announced, those present joined together in singing Shir LaMa’alos.
The family has asked the public to continue davening for the newborn: Ravid Chaim ben Tze’ela.
{Matzav.com Israel}