Ravid Haim, the infant delivered in an emergency C-section following a deadly terrorist attack near Peduel and Bruchin in western Samaria, was pronounced dead early Wednesday morning at Schneider Children’s Medical Center in Petah Tikva.
He had been in critical condition since birth, receiving intensive care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Baby Ravid Chaim was buried next to his mother Tzeela in Har HaMenuchot, Jerusalem.
בידיים של אבא: התינוק רביד-חיים גז מובא למנוחות, הוא ייטמן לצד אימו צאלה ז"ל@elyashivharel pic.twitter.com/fTmV1oUwRx
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Despite prolonged resuscitation efforts, hospital staff were ultimately forced to declare his death. Ravid’s mother, Tzeela Gez, 30, a resident of Bruchin and mother of three, was critically wounded in the shooting and later died of her wounds.
According to an initial investigation by security forces, the couple had been traveling to the hospital for the delivery when a terrorist opened fire from a passing vehicle using an automatic weapon. Tzeela was hit and evacuated unconscious to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, where doctors performed emergency surgery in a bid to save the baby.
Her husband, 40, sustained light wounds and was released from medical care shortly after being treated.
Emergency operation to save the baby's life
Doctors at Beilinson’s Trauma Unit managed to deliver the baby and immediately launched efforts to stabilize him. Tzeela, however, succumbed to her injuries shortly after the procedure. The baby was then transferred to Schneider Children’s Medical Center, where medical teams continued fighting for his life until his condition deteriorated overnight.
Tzeela Gez was described by residents of Bruchin as a devoted mother and a central figure in the community. According to acquaintances of the family, shortly before the attack, her husband notified his workplace that he would not be coming in, explaining that they were on their way to the hospital to welcome a new child. Minutes later, the shooting occurred.
In response to the attack, security forces launched a manhunt for the assailant. IDF troops, Israel Police officers, and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) agents deployed additional forces, set up roadblocks, and restricted movement to and from several communities in the area. The Barkan and Ariel industrial zones were also closed to prevent the terrorist from escaping.
Following Tzeela’s death, the Gez family decided to donate her organs. Her corneas were preserved and are scheduled to be transplanted – one to a child at Schneider and the other at Beilinson, offering restored vision to two patients.Hananel Gez, her husband, said, “Tzeela always gave light in her life, and now, even in death, she continues to give. Tzeela always tried to see the good and bring light to the world, in her life, and in her death.”
Samaria Regional Council head, Yossi Dagan, said, “This is a double murder! The world should be shocked. We demand a clear Zionist response of building and more building in memory of Ravid and Tzeela. Israeli citizens demand a military ground maneuver in the village of Bruchin, and the demolition of all illegal houses that endanger travelers on the road.”
“To our astonishment, this still has not happened. We embrace the family and will stand by them in everything they need. The entire nation of Israel and the world are mourning this barbaric and horrific murder,” he concluded.Meital Ben Yosef, chair of the Bruchin community, also expressed deep sorrow.
“The community of Bruchin mourns and grieves the passing of the infant Ravid Haim ben Tzeela (may God avenge her blood). A baby who was meant to be born into joy and great anticipation took his final breath this morning after struggling between life and death since the day he was born, exactly two weeks ago.”
“A vile and despicable terrorist murdered a mother and her son together in an attempt to erase and destroy the people of Israel.”
“We will not be silent, and we will not stop – we will continue and double our efforts to memorialize and respond to this horrific murder. We will add buildings and settlements, and expand the boundaries of life and holiness. We will make it absolutely clear to all our enemies: we are here, in the land of our forefathers, and we will remain here forever!”