Abu Ubaida, the military spokesperson for Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, described Wednesday’s shooting near the town of Bruqin, west of Salfit in the occupied West Bank, as a “heroic act” in retaliation for Israel’s continued aggression in both the West Bank and Gaza.

In a recorded statement, Abu Ubaida praised the attack, calling it a legitimate response to “Israeli crimes,” and commended the assailants as “heroes of our people in the West Bank.” He urged Palestinians to rise up in defense of Al-Aqsa Mosque and to confront the ongoing Israeli assaults on West Bank towns, refugee camps, and the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israeli media reported on Wednesday evening that several settlers were injured in the shooting attack near Salfit, with at least one person listed in critical condition.