Israel/Palestinian Territories: One injured in West Bank knife attack Oct. 18

Event

On Wednesday, October 18, a Palestinian man was shot and wounded after running towards Israeli troops while wielding a knife near Gush Etzion junction in the West Bank. Reports say that the soldiers did not sustain injuries and the suspect was taken to a local hospital.

Context

Longstanding political and social tensions between Israelis and Palestinians contribute to frequent security incidents of varying severity. Nearly 300 Palestinians have been killed since a wave of violent street attacks began in 2015. Israel claims at least 180 of those killed were carrying out attacks, while the rest died in clashes and protests. In addition to these deaths, at least 51 Israelis, as well as American, British, Jordanian, Eritrean, and Sudanese nationals have been killed in Palestinian stabbings, shootings, and car-rammings.

Advice

Due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers to Israel are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.