Israeli security forces have been searching for terrorists behind an explosion on Friday near a natural spring in the West Bank that killed a teenage Israeli girl, and seriously injured her father and brother.
Israel Defense Forces’ spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronen Manelis labeled what transpired “a serious terror attack.”
He said it was unclear if the explosive device was placed in the popular Ein Bubin Spring and was remotely activated or if it was thrown at the family. It has yet to be determined if those responsible acted along or were part of a terrorist group, according to Manelis.
Rina Shnerb, 17, of Lod succumbed to her wounds after being critically injured and treated at the scene. She was buried in her home city of Lod at 3.30 p.m., just one week after celebrating her birthday, reported The Jerusalem Post.
“Her father, Eitan Shnerb, is said to be conscious and in moderate condition while his 19-year-old son is out of surgery and stable with injuries to his entire body. The two men were evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem [in Jerusalem] for medical treatment by helicopter,” according to the Post.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held a security meeting following the attack, offered his condolences and vowed to capture those responsible.
“We will continue to strengthen [Jewish] communities,” he said. “We will spread our roots deeper and strike out at our enemies. Security force are in pursuit of the vile terrorists. We will reach them. Our long arm will pay them their dues.”