“Critical but Stable”: Improvement in Condition of Infant Born After Mother Killed in West Bank Shooting
Background of the Incident
A newborn baby, delivered through emergency cesarean section after his mother was fatally shot in an attack in the West Bank, is currently in critical but stable condition at Schneider Medical Center for Children. The infant’s mother, Tzala Gaz, a 33-year-old resident of Bruchin and mother of three, was murdered in a drive-by shooting carried out by a lstart assailant near the settlements of Peduel and Bruchin.
According to initial security reports, Gaz was in advanced stages of pregnancy and was en route to the hospital with her husband when the attack occurred. The attacker opened fire with an automatic weapon from a passing vehicle, severely injuring Gaz. She was transported unconscious to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where doctors performed an emergency surgery in an effort to save the life of the fetus.
Medical Update
Medical personnel fought throughout the night to stabilize the newborn following his urgent delivery during the surgery. By the morning of May 16, 2025, hospital officials reported slight improvements in the baby’s condition, although he remains in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Schneider. “Our medical teams are prepared and continue to provide dedicated and comprehensive care,” hospital representatives stated.
Community Response
The brutal murder of Tzala Gaz has deeply affected the Bruchin settlement and the broader Samaria community. Family and community members are rallying to support her surviving children, who are now under the care of extended family. Gaz’s husband, aged 40, sustained only minor injuries and received treatment before being released back home.
Just moments before the shooting, Gaz’s husband had informed his workplace that they were heading to the hospital for the delivery, marking a tragic turn of events for the family.
Security Measures and Investigation
In the aftermath of the attack, security forces established a command post and initiated a large-scale manhunt for the shooter. Checkpoints were set up, and the surrounding villages were closed to traffic as a precaution to prevent the assailant from escaping. Authorities assert that the shooting was executed by a single terrorist, and investigations are ongoing, with several suspect detentions already made, including that of a senior commander from the Islamic Jihad in the Jenin refugee camp.
Community Mourning and Memorial
The loss of Tzala Gaz, who was regarded as a beloved figure in her community, has led to extensive mourning among residents of Bruchin and throughout Samaria. Her family and community continue to honor her memory as they navigate this overwhelming tragedy. “May her memory be a blessing,” reflected local residents.
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