Canadian Citizen Shot Dead After Knife Attack Near Gaza Border

A Canadian citizen was shot dead after attempting to attack an armed civilian security unit in southern Israel near the Gaza border. The incident occurred at the entrance to Netiv HaAsara, where security has been heightened following a deadly attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7. The suspect threatened members of the community's rapid response team with a knife and was neutralized. No security force injuries were reported.

A Canadian citizen was shot dead after attempting to attack an armed civilian security unit in southern Israel near the Gaza border, Israeli authorities confirmed on Monday.

The incident took place at the entrance of Netiv HaAsara, a town where security has been intensified since Hamas-led militants killed around 20 people there during the Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel that triggered the Gaza war. According to the Israeli military, the suspect exited his vehicle and threatened members of the community's rapid response team with a knife.

The rapid response team responded by firing at the suspect, neutralizing him. No injuries were reported among the security forces, according to military spokespersons. A police spokesperson identified the attacker as a Canadian citizen. Reuters television footage showed the deceased body of the suspected attacker being taken to an ambulance.

(With inputs from agencies.)