Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Attack Near Jordan–West Bank Crossing

ALLENBY BRIDGE, Jordan–West Bank — September 19, 2025 — Two Israeli military personnel — Lt. Col. Yitzhak Harosh, 68, and Sgt. Oran Hershko, 20 — were shot dead in a deadly attack near the Allenby Bridge crossing, the only direct passage connecting Jordan to the occupied West Bank. Israeli authorities said the attacker opened fire from a humanitarian aid truck arriving from Jordan before being killed by Israeli security forces.

Jordanian officials identified the assailant as Abdul Muttalib Al-Qaisi, a 56-year-old civilian aid driver who had been delivering supplies to Gaza for the past three months. The Jordanian government condemned the incident, saying it endangered humanitarian efforts and violated international law. Hamas, however, praised the attack, framing it as retaliation for Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. Following the incident, Israel immediately closed the crossing, sparking concerns that the delivery of humanitarian aid and trade supplies to Gaza and West Bank markets will be disrupted. The Allenby Bridge has long served as a lifeline for Palestinians, and its closure may exacerbate shortages of essential goods in the already strained region.