Israeli soldier wounded in Hebron shooting attack

An Israeli soldier was moderately wounded in a shooting attack in Hebron on Sunday, the Israeli army said.

A gunman opened fire at the soldier at the Cave of Patriarchs in Hebron, wounding a 19-year-old moderately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson said.

She was evacuated to the Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem with a shot wound to her pelvis, according to Israeli emergency services.

The shooter managed to flee the scene and military forces are searching the area for him.

Last week Genadi Kaufman, a 41-year-old settler, died from his wounds after being critically wounded in a stabbing attack at the site on December 7.

Following Kaufman's death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would "stay forever" at the site, holy to both Jews and Muslims.

Hebron has been a frequent flashpoint amid the current wave of violence. It is home to about 850 Jewish settlers, who live in it under massive security, surrounded by tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Twenty three Israelis and one U.S. citizen were killed in lone-wolf shooting, stabbing and vehicular attacks which started in October. More than 130 Palestinians have died, some in clashes during protests with Israeli security forces, while others were gunned down while carrying out attacks against Israelis.

On Friday, two people were killed in a Tel Aviv shooting attack. However, it is not yet clear whether the attack is connected to the ongoing wave of violence or triggered by another motive. Endit