Title: Three Injured in Drive-by Attack at Maccabim Crossing near Modi’in
Date: August 31, 2023
Three 20-year-old young men were seriously injured in a drive-by attack at the Maccabim crossing, near Modi’in. The incident took place when a 41-year-old Palestinian, who possessed a work permit in Israel, purposely hit the three victims with a truck bearing an Israeli license plate. Following the attack, the assailant fled towards the Hasmonean crossing near Kfar Nelin.
MDA medics and paramedics who were immediately called to the scene provided medical treatment to the injured individuals. The three victims were then evacuated to the hospital. One of the victims is in critical condition, while another is defined as serious. The third victim sustained minor injuries.
In addition to the drive-by attack, two individuals were slightly injured in a car accident that occurred after the incident. The security guards at the crossing, who received information from the IDF, were able to identify and neutralize the attacker near the Hasmonean crossing. Thankfully, there were no other casualties reported.
As a result of the incident, the Hasmonaim crossing was closed in both directions, and the road leading to it was blocked for traffic.
Zechi Heller, CEO of MDA, provided an update on the victims’ conditions. He stated that one of the critically injured victims is unconscious and suffering from head and stomach injuries, with medical professionals currently working to stabilize his condition. The second seriously injured individual is conscious, suffering from an abdominal injury, and being taken to Shiva. The third victim has minor injuries and is also being transported to the hospital.
Afraid but defiant, Hamas spokesman Abdel-Latif al-Kano issued a statement in response to the attack, proclaiming that the resistance against Israel would continue to escalate until the occupation against the Palestinian people is stopped.
This incident marks the fourth attack in the span of 24 hours. Yesterday, an attempted run-over attack on a military post in Mount Hebron occurred. The attacker was neutralized by IDF forces without any casualties. Additionally, a stabbing incident took place in Jerusalem, injuring a 25-year-old man, and an officer and three IDF soldiers were injured by an explosive device in Nablus.
Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant were briefed on the details of the attack. Galant is set to hold a situational assessment with senior officials from the defense establishment.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He emphasized the importance of checkpoints in fighting terrorism and the need for an uncompromising struggle against all perpetrators.
The investigation into the drive-by attack is ongoing, as authorities work to gather more information about the incident and the motives behind it.