A police officer died from gunshot wounds Tuesday after a terror attack on Highway 4 near Ashdod that left four others wounded, according to hospital officials.

The attack occurred when a suspect approached the highway on foot and opened fire, killing the officer before shooting at civilians, police said. A civilian with a personal firearm then killed the attacker.

Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital reported receiving multiple victims. One person arrived in moderate condition. Two others were en route, including a doctor who had been assisting the wounded at the scene.

United Hatzalah volunteer EMTs treated a critically injured 30-year-old man at the scene, performing CPR. They also reported treating two others with minor to moderate injuries.

A 37-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the thigh was taken to Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot in moderate condition.

Magen David Adom EMT Avner Ben David said responders found an unconscious man in his 30s with gunshot wounds and no vital signs. They began resuscitation efforts while transporting him to the hospital.

Police from the Yavne station secured the area and searched for additional victims or suspects.

The civilian who stopped the attack had received his firearm about three months ago as part of a policy change by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli media reported.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or the attacker.

Emergency services responded quickly, with multiple ambulances and police vehicles arriving within minutes. Traffic on the highway was halted as first responders tended to the wounded and secured the area.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it “a heinous act of terrorism.” He praised the quick action of the civilian who neutralized the attacker, stating that it “prevented an even greater tragedy.”