JERUSALEM, Augmadamepragmatic. 11 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli civilian was killed, and another was injured on Sunday afternoon in a drive-by shooting in the occupied West Bank, Israeli authorities saidmadamepragmatic.

The Israeli army said in a statement that Palestinian militants opened fire from a passing vehicle at several vehicles in the area of Mehola Junction in the northern West Bank before fleeing the scene.

Eli Bin, director-general of the Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom, told reporters that the man sustained fatal injuries, and his death was pronounced at the scene. The other person, 33, sustained moderate injuries and was evacuated by helicopter, Bin said.

The military said soldiers have launched a manhunt, "blocking routes and conducting thorough searches in the area."

The incident is the latest in escalating violence in the region amid the 10-month-long conflict in Gaza.■