Deadly Shooting Attack in Jerusalem Leaves Six Dead
In a tragic incident on Monday morning, a shooting attack in Jerusalem claimed the lives of six individuals and left several others injured, as reported by authorities.
The gunmen carried out the attack at the Ramot Junction entrance to Jerusalem, a crucial intersection in the northern part of the city. This location serves as a gateway to Jewish settlements situated in east Jerusalem.
Reports from Israeli media indicate that the attackers boarded a bus and unleashed gunfire on the passengers.
Initially, Israel’s paramedic service Magen David Adom stated that 15 individuals were injured in the attack. However, the toll rose as two victims succumbed to their injuries. The latest fatality was pronounced dead at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus.
Among the injured, six individuals are in critical condition and have been rushed to hospitals in Jerusalem, with a total of 12 individuals currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities quickly responded to the situation and managed to “neutralise” the attackers. At this point, the identities of the gunmen remain unknown.
According to Israeli media, the assailants used an improvised Carl Gustav or “Carlo” submachine gun during the attack, based on evidence gathered at the scene.
This makeshift weapon, capable of firing 9-millimetre ammunition similar to the Israeli-manufactured Uzi, can be easily assembled from lost or stolen M4 rifles commonly used by the Israeli military.
Notably, such weapons have been employed by groups like Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades and Islamic Jihad’s Al-Quds units in the past, as well as by criminal organizations in South America and the Caribbean.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a “situation assessment” with the nation’s security leaders to address the aftermath of the attack.
In response to the shooting, the Israeli military has deployed forces near Ramallah in the West Bank to maintain security, as reported by local media.
The recent spike in violence in Israel can be attributed to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, leading to heightened tensions and incidents like the one in Jerusalem.
While isolated attacks have occurred in recent months, the last major shooting incident took place in October 2024 when two Palestinians from the West Bank carried out a deadly attack in the Tel Aviv area, resulting in multiple casualties. Hamas claimed responsibility for that assault.
During the Tel Aviv attack, the perpetrators opened fire in the Jaffa neighborhood, targeting a crowded rail carriage at a busy station, causing chaos and devastation among passengers. — Euronews
