Six Israelis have been killed and eight others wounded by Palestinian gunmen in one of the deadliest shooting attacks in Jerusalem in the past few years.
Israeli police reported that two gunmen arrived in a vehicle and opened fire towards a crowded bus stop at Ramot Junction, located on the outskirts of Jerusalem. An off-duty soldier and a civilian quickly responded and shot the attackers, preventing further casualties.
The victims have been identified as five men, aged between 25 and 79, and a 60-year-old woman, while two of the injured individuals are in serious condition.
No immediate claims of responsibility were made by any armed groups; however, Hamas praised the attack on social media.
During a visit to the scene, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is engaged in an intense war against terrorism on several fronts. He emphasized that Israeli forces have disrupted hundreds of attacks already this year but lamented they could not prevent this incident.
Israeli military operations were reported to be encircling Palestinian villages on the West Bank outskirts of Ramallah following the attack to thwart any potential further acts of violence.
The attack occurred during the morning rush hour, leading to chaotic scenes as civilians fled amidst the gunfire. Dashcam footage showed people running for safety, with some describing the terrifying experience of fearing for their lives.
In response to the attack, Israeli security forces retrieved several weapons left by the attackers and arrested a resident of East Jerusalem accused of aiding the gunmen.
The dead have been identified as Yaakov Pinto (25), Yisrael Metzner (28), Rabbi Yosef David (43), Levi Itzhak Pash (57), Mordechai Steintzag (79), along with 60-year-old Sarah Mendelson.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the act, framing it as a clear attack on innocent civilians and urged the world to recognize the ongoing threat posed by terrorism. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also voiced their condemnations.
The incident reflects the fragile security situation in the region, especially following the recent escalation of violence between the Israeli military and Hamas forces.
