Deadly Jerusalem Attack Kills Six, Eight Injured by Gunmen

In one of the deadliest attacks in recent years, six Israelis were killed and eight others wounded on Monday morning when Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem. The incident took place at Ramot Junction, on the northern outskirts of the city, during the morning rush hour.

Attack Details

According to the Israeli police, two armed attackers arrived in a vehicle and started shooting at civilians waiting at the busy bus stop. The gunmen targeted a crowd of men, women, and children, leaving people in panic as they tried to escape. Dashcam footage shared by the Israeli foreign ministry captured the terrifying moment, showing people running from the bus stop while gunfire echoed in the streets.

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Several armed civilians at the scene responded immediately. An off-duty soldier and a civilian returned fire, neutralizing the attackers on the spot. Police later confirmed that they recovered several weapons, ammunition, and a knife from the attackers.

Victims

Israeli media reported that the six killed included five men, aged between 25 and 79, and one woman aged 60. The men have been identified as Yaakov Pinto (25), Yisrael Metzner (28), Rabbi Yosef David (43), Levi Itzhak Pash (57), and Mordechai "Mark" Steintzag (79). The woman was named Sarah Mendelson (60).

Among the wounded, two were reported to be in serious condition and were rushed to local hospitals. One of the survivors, Ester Lugasi, recounted her experience from the hospital, saying, "Suddenly I hear the shots starting... I felt like I was running for an eternity. I thought I was going to die."

Prime Minister’s Response

During a visit to the scene, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and described it as part of an ongoing "intense war against terrorism on several fronts." He emphasized that Israeli security forces have thwarted hundreds of attacks in the occupied West Bank this year but admitted that this particular attack was not prevented.

He said, "We are now engaged in pursuit and are cordoning off the villages from which the murderers came. We will apprehend whoever aided and dispatched them, and we will take even stronger steps."

The Israeli military confirmed that troops were surrounding Palestinian villages near Ramallah in the West Bank to prevent further violence and strengthen security measures.

Security and Arrests

Police identified the attackers as coming from the West Bank villages of al-Qubeiba and Qatanna, located about six miles west of Ramot Junction. Additionally, a resident of East Jerusalem was arrested on suspicion of helping smuggle the attackers into the city.

Lieutenant Dean Elsdunne, an Israeli police spokesman, described the attackers’ method, saying, "The terrorists arrived by vehicle and deliberately opened fire on a number of civilians who were waiting at that busy bus stop to start their day. A number of armed civilians acted immediately. They engaged by returning fire and killed the terrorists on the spot."

First responders arrived quickly at the scene. Daniel Katzenstein, a volunteer with the United Hatzalah emergency medical service, treated a bus driver named Mohammed. Katzenstein explained that the attack was not about religion, but about "people who wish to do harm, and people who want to live life."

International Reactions

The attack drew strong reactions from world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack, calling it "unacceptable." The UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said she was "horrified," while U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee expressed support for Israel, calling the violence "savagery."

Meanwhile, the Palestinian presidency condemned the attack, stating that they reject violence against both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. In contrast, Hamas praised the attack, describing it as a "heroic and exceptional operation" by two Palestinian resistance fighters. While Hamas did not claim responsibility, the group framed it as a response to Israel’s actions in occupied territories.

Context of Violence

The attack comes at a sensitive time in the region. Hamas has been engaged in a conflict with Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years, following its own attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Since then, Israeli forces have been on high alert across Israel and the West Bank.

Although attacks in Jerusalem have been relatively rare in recent months, November 2023 saw a similar attack at a bus stop in West Jerusalem where four Israelis were killed by two Palestinian gunmen. Monday’s attack highlights the ongoing tension between Israelis and Palestinians and the fragile security situation in the region.

Ongoing Situation

Israeli authorities are continuing their operations to secure the area, detain anyone connected to the attackers, and prevent further violence. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will take "even stronger steps" to protect its citizens.

At the same time, the Israeli military is intensifying operations in Gaza City, even as discussions for potential ceasefire and hostage negotiations, proposed by the White House, are reportedly ongoing.

Eyewitness Accounts

Survivors described the attack as chaotic and frightening. People at the bus stop ran for safety as bullets flew. One first responder described the scene as terrifying but emphasized the bravery of ordinary citizens who tried to help the injured.

Statement by Leaders

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attack a reminder of the constant threat posed by terrorists, stating, "Innocent citizens, children, and adults were murdered and injured in cold blood on a bus in the streets of a city at the hands of evil terrorists. The world must understand what we are facing."

Monday's shooting at Ramot Junction in Jerusalem serves as a tragic reminder of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups. Six lives were lost, eight others wounded, and the city is once again grappling with the shock of violence in its streets. Israeli security forces continue to pursue the attackers and increase safety measures, while international leaders have expressed condemnation and concern over the attack.

The incident underscores the volatility of the region and the challenges faced by both civilians and authorities in preventing such acts of violence.