In one of the most severe shooting attacks in recent years, six Israelis were killed, and eight others were wounded in Jerusalem when Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a busy bus stop at Ramot Junction. Israeli police reported that two attackers arrived in a vehicle and targeted civilians early Monday, triggering a response from armed bystanders who neutralized the attackers.
The deceased were identified by local media as five men aged between 25 and 79, along with a 60-year-old woman. Among the wounded, at least two were reported to be in serious condition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited the site of the attack, highlighted the difficulty of combating terrorism, stating that security forces had thwarted numerous potential attacks but could not prevent this one. He vowed to pursue the assailants' accomplices and enhance security measures.
Responding to the attack, Israeli military forces began encircling Palestinian villages connected to the attackers, further intensifying the military presence around the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people fled from the bus shelter in fear. Dashcam footage captured the panic as gunfire rang out, indicating a significant rise in tensions in the area amidst ongoing conflict. Eyewitness Ester Lugasi recounted her frightening escape, fearing for her life.
International reactions were swift, with leaders condemning the brutal attack. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed outrage over the incident, calling it a manifestation of 'absolute evil.' Global leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. ambassador Mike Huckabee also denounced the violence, reaffirming support for Israel during these turbulent times.
This attack marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, occurring as Israeli military operations intensify within Gaza and amid negotiations for a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ramifications of this shooting deepen the complexities of the already volatile situation in the region.