Jerusalem, Israel: Hamas’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that it was a response “to the occupation’s crimes of killing children and women in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.”
The group’s statement was posted on its Telegram channel, underscoring the deep-seated tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Yesterday, a deadly gun attack unfolded at a busy bus stop in west Jerusalem, leaving three Israelis dead and 13 others injured.
The attack occurred on Thursday morning when two gunmen, identified as brothers from East Jerusalem, opened fire on a crowd of people waiting at the western edge of the city.
The assailants, armed with an assault rifle and a handgun, targeted civilians, claiming the lives of two women aged 24 and 65, as well as a 72-year-old man. The incident swiftly transpired at approximately 7:40 a.m., sending terror through the crowd.
Within a minute of the attack, the gunmen were neutralized by two off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian after retreating to their car.
The individuals responsible were later identified by Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency as Murad Namr, 38, and Ibrahim Namr, 30, both members of the Hamas organization.
The incident has cast a shadow over negotiations to extend the existing truce in Gaza. Despite the attack, Egypt and Qatar expressed optimism about securing a two-day extension, contingent on the release of additional hostages.
The ongoing release of hostages marked the seventh consecutive night under the truce deal, demonstrating the delicate balance in the region.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns about the potential escalation of hostilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eliminate Hamas, vowing decisive action whenever the hostage release halts.
This commitment adds an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging diplomatic landscape.
Surveillance video footage captured the chilling moment when the gunmen rushed out of their car, brandishing weapons at the unsuspecting crowd.
The quick response by off-duty soldiers and a civilian averted further tragedy, but the toll on the victims and their families remains profound.
As Israel mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the delicate negotiations for a truce extension persist.
The incident underscores the fragility of the situation in the region, with hopes for a peaceful resolution constantly tested by acts of violence and retribution.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members