Allenby Bridge, a key trade route, remains closed as Jordanians celebrate attack as a form of revenge for Palestinians
WEST BANK: On Sunday, a Jordanian gunman fatally shot three Israeli civilians at the Allenby Bridge border crossing in the occupied West Bank before being killed by Israeli security forces. This incident marks the first such attack along the Jordan-Israel border since the recent escalation in Gaza, which began with the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7.
The attack occurred in a commercial cargo area controlled by Israel, where Jordanian trucks unload goods into the West Bank. The Allenby Bridge, also known as the King Hussein Bridge, connects Amman and Jerusalem and lies just north of the Dead Sea. The attacker, identified as 39-year-old Maher Ziab Hussein Al-Jazi from southern Jordan’s Ma’an governorate, was a truck driver associated with the Huwaitat tribe. According to the Israeli military, Al-Jazi drove his truck to the crossing, exited, and opened fire on Israeli security personnel.
The gunman was subsequently shot and killed by the security forces, but not before he claimed three lives. Jordanian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and the crossing has been closed. The Allenby Bridge is a crucial trade route between Jordan and Israel, and it is vital for over 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank. Following the attack, anti-Israel sentiment has been evident in Jordan, with demonstrations in Amman celebrating the act as retaliation for Palestinian casualties in Gaza.
Despite the peace treaty signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994, and their close security cooperation, this incident highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called for a thorough investigation to prevent future attacks and ensure security at this critical border crossing.
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