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Israel

Succot worshippers evacuated after IDF soldier killed

September 23, 2013 09:00
The Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, near to where the shooting took place (Photo: Ooman)

ByCharlotte Oliver, Charlotte Oliver

1 min read

An Israeli soldier was killed yesterday by a Palestinian sniper in Hebron, according to the IDF.

Sgt Gabriel Koby, 20, was on patrol at a West Bank checkpoint in the city when he was hit in the neck by a bullet. The soldier was immediately rushed to a Jerusalem hospital, where he died of his wounds.

Following the shooting, the army evacuated 11,000 visitors who were taking part in events for Succot, including worshippers who were praying in the nearby Cave of the Patriarchs.

Speaking on behalf of the Israeli army, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said: “This lethal attack illustrates the complex security challenges the IDF faces on a daily basis in Judea and Samaria. The IDF will employ the necessary means, operational and intelligence, to apprehend those responsible for this deathly attack.”