A terrorist attack in Jerusalem on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals and left 21 wounded. The attack, which occurred at a bus stop and on a bus, was soon met with swift retaliatory action from an off-duty soldier and multiple civilians, who shot dead the two attackers. Among the deceased were at least three rabbis, highlighting the human cost of this violent act. Four victims died at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Paramedic Nadav Taib recounted, “When we arrived, we saw people lying unconscious on the road, on the side of the road, and on the sidewalk near a bus stop. There was a lot of destruction, shattered glass on the floor, and a lot of commotion.” Another paramedic, Fadi Dkaidek, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This is a very severe scene.”
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of terror unfolding in seconds. An elderly woman on the bus recalled the horror of the gunfire, saying, “Gunfire like nothing I’ve ever experienced.” Details revealed that the attackers, armed with a makeshift “Carlo,” a type of submachine gun, opened fire shortly after a suspicious individual made a phone call, coinciding with the bus’s arrival at the stop. “I went to the other side of the road and hid under another bus,” a witness said, reflecting the desperation felt in those moments.
In response to the violence, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s continued resolve in combating terrorism. He stated that these attacks “only increase our determination to complete our missions in Judea and Samaria too — everywhere.” Netanyahu mentioned the ongoing conflict with Hamas, reiterating, “We will destroy Hamas as we promised and free our hostages — all of our hostages.”
The aftermath of the attack revealed that dashcam footage captured the moments of chaos at the Ramot Junction. Both attackers, who were identified as West Bank Palestinians, were killed by security responders during the assault. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir pointed to this incident as a testament to his policy of arming Israeli citizens, asserting, “Weapons save lives.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, labeling it a brutal act committed against innocent civilians. He tweeted, “A painful and difficult morning. Innocent civilians, women, men, and children were brutally murdered and wounded in cold blood on a bus in Jerusalem by vile and evil terrorists.” Herzog stressed the acts of heroism showcased by those who intervened during the attack, reflecting on their critical role in preventing further casualties.
Herzog’s remarks underscored the broader clash between good and evil that defines the ongoing conflict in the region. He stated, “This shocking attack reminds us once again that we are fighting absolute evil,” and called for global awareness regarding the challenges faced by Israel. “The world must understand what we are up against, and that terror will never defeat us,” he added, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and hoping for the swift recovery of those injured.
In stark contrast, Hamas celebrated the attack, branding it a “heroic and unique operation” that serves as a justified response to Israeli actions. This stark division between narratives highlights the deep-rooted enmity that fuels the ongoing violence and suffering within the region. The recent assault serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremism, deeply affecting daily life in Jerusalem and calling attention to the broader implications for Israeli society.
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