Pregnant woman shot dead in West Bank while en route to hospital

In the occupied West Bank, a tragic incident occurred where a pregnant Israeli woman was shot and killed. On Wednesday evening, Tzeela Gez, aged 30, was traveling with her husband, Hananel, to a hospital in the settlement of Bruchin for the delivery of their child. During their journey, a gunman opened fire on their vehicle. As a result of the attack, Mrs. Gez suffered critical injuries while Mr. Gez was lightly wounded. Medical professionals performed an emergency caesarean section to deliver the baby, who is currently in serious but stable condition. The Israeli military reported that they are pursuing the gunman involved in the attack. Following the shooting, troops surrounded the Palestinian village of Bruqin, which is located near the site of the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his shock and condemnation of the assault, describing it as a horrific act against a pregnant woman and highlighting the stark differences between those who value life and the terrorists who aim to destroy it. The attack took place amidst rising tensions and violence in the region, which has escalated since the onset of the war between Israel and Hamas, initiated by Hamas's deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with hundreds of Palestinians and dozens of Israelis losing their lives. During this period, the hardships faced by civilians, especially in areas like the West Bank and Gaza, have intensified, raising concerns regarding the impact of military actions and retaliatory measures on innocent lives. In response to the shooting, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz instructed the military to locate the attackers and retaliate with maximum force. Hamas, while not claiming responsibility for the shooting, praised the attack as a heroic response to what they perceive as ongoing Israeli aggression and crimes against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have deeply affected both communities, leading to cycles of violence that have lasting implications for peace and security in the region.