3 Palestinians killed by unidentified gunmen in West Bank

Three Palestinians from the West Bank city of Bethlehem were killed inside their car by unidentified gunmen, Palestinian security sources said on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

Shooters driving an illegal-licensed vehicle intercepted and opened fire at a car traveling on Wadi al-Nar Road, killing a young man and two young women, said Palestinian police spokesman Louay Erzikat in a press statement sent to Xinhua.

He added that the shooting happened just meters away from the Israeli military checkpoint of Container of Bethlehem, noting that the gunmen fled the scene. At the same time, the victims were brought to Beit Jala Government Hospital.

He noted that police officers and prosecutors arrived at the scene and opened an investigation.

The West Bank has witnessed a significant increase in crimes due to use of illegal weapons, according to Erzikat.