Zamareh was shot dead in his home near Hebron by gunmen who were wearing Israeli army uniforms. Speculation that Jewish extremists might be involved in the killing surfaced after Halhoul residents said some of the assailants spoke Hebrew, and after two small Jewish extremist groups, Eyal and the Sword of David, claimed responsibility for the attack. The focus of the investigation shifted to the Palestinians after a bullet from a Karel Gustav submachine gun was removed from Zamareh's body. That type of weapon was not used by the Israel Defense Force or Jewish settlers, police said.

Police suspect that the four killed Zamareh when he entered his home in the middle of a burglary attempt. Israeli police, during searches of the homes of three of the suspects, found clothing and other evidence connecting them to the slaying.