2 IDF Soldiers Killed by Jordanian Terrorist Driving Gaza-Bound Aid Truck Through Key Border Crossing With Israel

Latest Developments

Aid Truck Exploited for Terror: A Jordanian terrorist killed two Israeli soldiers on September 18 as he drove a humanitarian aid truck bound for Gaza through the Allenby Bridge border crossing. The assailant, a citizen of the Hashemite Kingdom who was employed by the Jordanian military to deliver aid to Gaza, initially opened fire with a handgun and then stabbed the two victims with a knife before being eliminated by Israeli security guards.
Hamas Praises Attack, Humanitarian Aid Halted: Hamas’s al-Qassam Brigades praised the attack on its social media channels with a recycled graphic quoting the late Hamas spokesman and propagandist, Abu Obeida, whom Israel eliminated in August, declaring, “Jordan is from us and we are from it.” Humanitarian aid deliveries from Jordan to Gaza have reportedly been halted until the Jordanian government conducts an investigation into the attack. Other border crossings into Gaza for humanitarian aid from both Egypt and Israel remained open.
Attack Similar to 2024 Incident: A similar attack was carried out by a Jordanian terrorist just over a year ago at the Allenby Bridge, during which three Israeli security guards were murdered. The assailant, who was also killed during the attack, was later identified as 39-year-old Jordanian citizen Maher al-Jazi. At the time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would work with Jordan to strengthen the border in order to maintain “peace and security” between the two nations.

FDD Expert Response

“While there is no evidence linking the attacker to Palestinian terrorist organizations, Hamas has not hesitated to take advantage of the incident. The assailant’s Jordanian identity provides the group with a potent propaganda tool. Hamas has long viewed the Hashemite Kingdom as fertile ground for violent incitement against Israel. By promoting the attack, Hamas hopes to fuel anti-Israel sentiment in Jordan and trigger a wave of copycat assaults.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“Since October 7, the Jordanian-Israeli border has witnessed several violent incidents. The likelihood of similar attacks will only grow if left unchecked. It is essential that the security cooperation between Jordan and Israel, which has remained strong despite diplomatic setbacks, continues to serve as the most important component of their bilateral ties to prevent future violence. At the same time, radicalization must be closely monitored, as groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood and those supportive of Hamas have been inciting to violence for two years.” — Ahmad Sharawi, Research Analyst

“Hamas’s praise for today’s terror attack comes as no surprise. The terrorist organization, like the Jordanian assailant, has exploited humanitarian aid as a cover for terrorism during the war in Gaza. Pressure is now being mounted against the Jordanian government and local authorities to thoroughly investigate how an aid truck driver, vetted and checked by Jordanian forces, was able to smuggle both a pistol and a knife into the cab of his vehicle and enter Israel to carry out a terrorist attack.” — Aaron Goren, Research Analyst and Editor