Gunmen kill six at Jerusalem bus stop
Attackers shot dead after assault that left 21 wounded
Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem, resulting in six deaths and injuring approximately 21 others in what Israeli authorities have labeled a terrorist attack. The incident took place at Ramot Junction, where the assailants targeted civilians waiting for the bus and passengers aboard a bus. Eyewitness footage captured the chaos, showing commuters fleeing as gunfire erupted, with the bus's windows and windscreen punctured by bullets.
The attackers were neutralized at the scene by a soldier from the Israel Defense Forces and an armed civilian who returned fire. Among the deceased were individuals in their fifties and thirties, with several others suffering serious gunshot wounds. The Israeli emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported that the injured included both men and women, with some in critical condition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the attack, asserting that it would only reinforce Israel's determination to continue its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. The Israeli military has since deployed additional forces to the area to assist police in searching for any potential accomplices and to enhance security measures.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas praised the attackers, referring to them as "resistance fighters," while Islamic Jihad also expressed support for the shooting. However, neither group officially claimed responsibility for the attack. In a contrasting statement, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the violence against civilians, emphasizing the need to protect all lives regardless of their background.
This shooting is one of the deadliest incidents in Jerusalem in recent years, following previous attacks at bus stops in 2023 and 2024. The violence underscores the deepening instability in the region amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, raising significant concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for further escalations. The Israeli government has vowed to pursue those responsible for facilitating or directing the attack, reflecting the heightened tensions and security challenges faced in the area.
