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.”

Ten Palestinians were reportedly arrested this morning in connection with the shooting.

The attack came a day after the body of another Israeli soldier was found in the West Bank.

Sgt Tomer Hazan, 20, was killed on Friday by his Palestinian colleague Nidal Amar. His body was discovered near the northern West Bank town of Qalqilya.