Beersheba, Israel — A terror attack at the Beersheba Central Bus Station on Sunday left one person dead and at least nine others injured, Israeli police confirmed.
Shots were fired at the crowded station in southern Israel, prompting authorities to respond swiftly to what they classified as a terror attack.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service, reported that paramedics on the scene were treating several individuals with varying degrees of injuries.
A young woman, later identified as 19-year-old Israel Border Police Corporal Shira Chaya Suslik from Beersheba, was critically wounded and succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Suslik is survived by her parents and three siblings.
Of the nine wounded, MDA said two individuals were transported to Soroka Medical Center in serious condition. Four others were moderately injured, while two sustained light injuries.
Several people at the scene also required treatment for emotional shock due to the nature of the attack, according to United Hatzalah, another emergency response organization.
Terrorist Identified
Israeli media identified the attacker as Ahmad Said Suliman al-Ukabi, a 29-year-old Israeli citizen of Bedouin descent.
The assailant was reportedly neutralized by security forces at the scene. While the motive behind the attack remains under investigation, the incident has sparked widespread condemnation from across Israel’s political spectrum and Bedouin community leaders.
National Reactions and Condemnations
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded strongly to the attack, calling for the deportation of the terrorist and his family, despite their Israeli citizenship.
“I call on the Prime Minister to pass the law we proposed today to deport families of terrorists,” Ben-Gvir stated. He emphasized that while many Bedouins are loyal citizens of Israel, those who engage in terrorism should be dealt with harshly.
The attack also drew a response from Mansour Abbas, leader of Raam (United Arab List), who denounced the violence.
“This is not the way of the Arab citizens who have consistently shown moral and legal civic commitment. We abhor any form of violence and reject any attempt to involve Arab citizens in acts of political violence,” Abbas said.
Bedouin Community Leaders Condemn Attack
The Forum of the Heads of the Bedouin Authorities in the Negev strongly condemned the attack, stating that such acts contradict the values of the Bedouin community.
In a joint statement, the forum emphasized that the attack was in “complete contradiction to the common principles of life and peace.”
They also cautioned against allowing extremist factions to exploit the incident to deepen societal divisions.
“We should not allow any extremist party to use this attack to deepen societal rifts and sow division between the two peoples. We call for increased cooperation and unity against terrorism,” the statement added.
Moving Forward
As Israel grapples with yet another terror attack, the call for unity and decisive action against terrorism echoes from both sides of the political divide.
While the tragic loss of Corporal Shira Chaya Suslik leaves a painful void, Israeli security forces continue to investigate the attack, ensuring that those responsible face justice.
Soroka Medical Center continues to treat the injured, while the broader Israeli community mourns another victim of terrorism.