Scene of Maale Adumim murder-suicide
Scene of Maale Adumim murder-suicideHadas Parush/Flash 90

Police in Maale Adumim are investigating a suspected murder-suicide, after a couple in their 60s were found shot dead in their apartment Thursday morning.

A large police force was scrambled to scene after the bodies were discovered, and an investigation was opened immediately.

Police believe they are dealing with a tragic case of a terminally ill woman whose husband resolved to put an end to her suffering and end both their lives - possibly in coordination with her.

It was their son who found their bodies, and alerted police, who unsuccessfully attempted to resuscitate them.

Gun crime is proportionally very low in Israel, despite the large numbers of firearms visible in everyday life. However, private gun ownership stands at around 4% of the population, with most other legally-owned guns held by serving soldiers, police officers and security guards.