Car-ramming attack wounds two Israelis

Last updated: November 17, 2017 at 8:29 am

A Palestinian man rammed his car into two Israeli civilians in the occupied West Bank earlier today before trying to stab soldiers and being shot.

In a statement from the Israeli army said the attacker drove his car into the pair near the Gush Etzion junction in the southern West Bank, leaving them both injured.

"The assailant proceeded by exiting the vehicle, armed with a knife, and attempted to stab (Israeli) soldiers," it added, saying he was shot and "severely injured" before harming anyone.

The Palestinian assailant and one of the wounded were evacuated to the Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said the Palestinian was 17 and in critical condition.

Since a wave of violence broke out in October 2015, at least 308 Palestinians, or Arab Israelis, as well as 51 Israelis and seven foreigners have been killed, according to an AFP count.

Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were shot dead in protests and clashes.

Gush Etzion junction, next to a major Israeli settlement in the southern West Bank, has been the site of multiple attacks during that time.

Violence has subsided significantly in recent months.