Terrorist Fatally Stabs Woman in Her Own Home; IDF Conducting Manhunt

Judea (TPS) – Dafna Meir, a 39-year-old nurse was murdered in her own home by a Palestinian terrorist in the Jewish community of Otniel, located south of Hebron, shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 17.

Magen David Adom paramedics arrived to find the victim in critical condition and pronounced her dead after attempts to save her life had failed due to the severity of her injuries.

According to an IDF Spokesperson, an armed Palestinian terrorist entered the community and tried to enter a residential home, but was blocked by the woman. He then stabbed her several times in the chest before fleeing the scene.

The victim was a mother of six children, four biological and two in foster care. Three of the children were home while the murder occurred.

“She was murdered in cold blood while bravely protecting her children with her bare hands,” said Yochai Damari, Head of Mount Hebron Regional Council. “It is tragic, we are talking about six orphans and a widower. A great mourning has fallen on our community tonight.”

IDF soldiers, assisted by helicopters, are conducting a large scale manhunt after the escaped terrorist, who reportedly worked in the community.

Asaf Fasi, the Har Hevron Regional Council spokesperson immediately issued a statement requesting people to stay home and lock their doors until the IDF manhunt is concluded. The community is currently under lock-down.

“The Israeli police force is assisting the IDF in locating the terrorist. Additionally, police experts are busy with forensic work and investigation of the event,” an Israeli police spokesperson commented.

“The community of the Soroka Hospital in Beersheba bows it head in mourning over the murder of Dafna Meir tonight,” stated a Spokesperson for the Soroka Hospital.

“Dafna worked as a nurse in our department of neurosurgery, she was very professional and much loved by her colleagues. Her selflessness and altruism were evident in her work as well as in her personal life.”

Michael Bachner contributed to this report.