A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday night when Tze’ela Gez, a 30-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by a Palestinian gunman while on her way to the hospital to deliver her fourth child. The attack occurred near the community of Pduel in the West Bank, leaving her husband injured and their newborn baby, delivered via emergency Caesarean section, fighting for his life.
Tze’ela was a mental health counselor known for her work with individuals dealing with trauma and anxiety. She had been pregnant for nine months and was excitedly heading to the hospital with her husband, Hananel, when their vehicle came under fire. After the shooting, Tze’ela was rushed to Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Her sister, Shaked Force, described Tze’ela as a vibrant person who always tried to help others, adding that her pregnancy had been challenging. Friends and family are now mourning her loss, with many expressing their shock and sadness over the senseless violence that took her life.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. Hamas, the militant group, praised the act, a move that has sparked outrage among many Israelis. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, expressed his sorrow and vowed to bring those responsible to justice, emphasizing the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the region.
Tze’ela’s friend, Tal Shahar Carmon, recounted the heartbreaking moment when Hananel had to explain to their three children that their mother would not be coming home. He told them that they had gone to welcome a new sibling, but a terrorist had shot their mother.
This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in the region. Limor Son Har-Melech, a member of the Israeli Knesset, reflected on her own traumatic experience from years ago when she was also attacked while pregnant. She highlighted the persistent threat faced by civilians and the need to confront and understand the motives behind such violence.
As Tze’ela’s family and friends grieve, the community is left to grapple with the loss and the impact of this tragic event. The newborn boy remains in critical condition, and prayers for his recovery are being shared widely.