Jordanian Gunman Kills 3 Israelis at Border

A Jordanian gunman killed three Israeli civilians at the Allenby Bridge border crossing, marking the first attack along the Israel-Jordan border since the escalation of violence following Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on October 7. The gunman, who crossed from Jordan, opened fire in a commercial cargo area under Israeli control before being shot dead by Israeli security forces. This incident has intensified the already high tensions between the two nations.

According to Israeli authorities, the attack occurred near the border area known as the King Hussein Bridge, a critical crossing point between Amman and Jerusalem. The Israeli military reported that the assailant drove a truck into the area, exited, and began shooting at security personnel before being neutralized. Three Israeli civilians were pronounced dead on the scene.

In response to the attack, Israel closed all three of its land border crossings with Jordan, affecting the daily movement of goods between the two countries. Jordanian officials confirmed that around two dozen Jordanian truck drivers were detained by Israeli forces for interrogation.

This attack underscores the fragile nature of Israel-Jordan relations, which have been tested amid ongoing regional conflicts. Despite a 1994 peace treaty, security challenges persist, especially as the war in Gaza continues to fuel unrest. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it a “loathsome terrorist act.”

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group responsible for the initial October 7 attack on Israel, praised the incident. A Hamas official referred to it as a response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and warned of similar future actions.

The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, serves as a major crossing for commercial cargo between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, supplying both Israeli and Palestinian markets. With security heightened, the closure of border crossings is likely to disrupt the flow of goods, affecting both economies.