The attempted assassination of Palestinian politician Nassereddine al-Shaer in the West Bank constituted a blow to the Palestinian Authority's efforts to combat the security chaos amid fears of developing into a settling of political scores.
The General Political Commissioner and spokesman for the security services, Major General Talal Dwaikat, said the security services would make every effort to achieve justice and protect the law.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas contacted Shaer and ordered an immediate investigation into his case to find the assailants and bring them to justice.
Shaer was appointed as education minister and deputy prime minister of the Palestinian National Authority in 2006 after Hamas won legislative elections.
Shaer, 61, was rushed to Rafidia Hospital after being shot in the Kafr Kalil village.
Images circulated online appeared to show the former education minister's car with several bullet holes in the door, and a video showed him on a stretcher raising the victory sign.
Police spokesman Colonel Louay Arzeigat announced that unknown assailants shot Shaer in Nablus.
Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh spoke with Shaer, condemning the "blatant attack," vowing immediate action to ensure justice.
The Palestinian government confirmed that it would work to follow up on President Abbas' directives to the security services to investigate the incident and bring the attackers to justice.
The shooting was widely condemned by Palestinian factions, human rights groups, and civil society organizations.
Fatah denounced the shooting of Shaer, saying it is a criminal act that must be investigated to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The secretary of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, Hussein al-Sheikh, issued a statement condemning the attack and wishing Shaer a speedy recovery.
The assassination attempt brought back to minds a series of security incidents in the West Bank that claimed the lives of Palestinians.
Palestinians took it to social media to express their anger over the assassination attempt, warning that Israel encourages such acts that target civil peace.
Head of Hamas movement Ismail Haniyeh called Shaer, expressing full solidarity and support.
Haniyeh condemned the "treacherous crime" that only serves the occupation and its supporters who target Palestine.
He called on the Palestinian Authority and the President to prosecute the perpetrators, noting that all Palestinians are furious over this heinous crime.
The leader of the Popular Front, Khaleda Jarrar, condemned the assassination attempt saying it was a very dangerous incident that threatens civil peace, warning against a state of security chaos.
