Hamas claims responsibility for fatal attack at Jerusalem bus stop
Hamas claims responsibility for the Jerusalem bus stop shooting, stating that the perpetrators were affiliated with its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades
Hamas claimed responsibility for the Jerusalem bus stop shooting on Thursday, stating that the attackers who killed three people were members of its military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades. Two brothers, identified by Hamas, carried out the attack, injuring seven others in the group of people at the bus stop in Jerusalem, according to authorities.
Amid a truce between Israel and Hamas, a shooting occurred in Jerusalem. The truce has led to a pause in the fighting and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. A last-minute deal extended the pause for another day on Thursday, and Egypt has stated that talks are ongoing to further prolong the truce.
Two soldiers and a civilian managed to kill the attackers, according to Jerusalem District Commander Doron Turgeman on Thursday.
Sadly, one of the victims was declared dead at the scene by the Magen David Adom rescue service, while two others were pronounced dead at Shaare Zedek hospital.
Israeli officials work at the scene of the attack.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Israeli police said the attackers opened fire on civilians at the bus station at about 7:40 a.m. on Thursday.
Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
Israeli police have reported that the assailants fired at civilians at the bus station around 7:40 a.m. local time on Thursday. The area has been cordoned off and a thorough search is underway to ensure there are no other suspects involved, according to the Israel Police Spokespersons Unit.
Hamas praised the attack as a direct response to what they described as the occupying forces' unprecedented crimes. They mentioned brutal massacres in the Gaza Strip, the killing of children in Jenin, and widespread violations against Palestinian prisoners, as well as continued violations in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Additionally, they warned Israel of attacks in every city, village, street, and alley.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his commitment to "eradicating Hamas" in response to the attack. After meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Netanyahu emphasized that he conveyed to Blinken that "it is the same Hamas that carried out the horrific massacre on October 7th and the same Hamas that is attempting to kill us at every opportunity."
