Jerusalem was rocked by violence on Monday morning when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a crowded bus stop during rush hour, killing six people and wounding at least twelve others. The attack, which took place in the western part of the city, sent commuters scrambling for cover as gunfire erupted in one of the busiest areas of the capital.
According to Israeli police, the assailants arrived at the scene armed with automatic rifles and began firing indiscriminately at civilians waiting for buses. Security forces responded quickly, shooting and killing the two attackers. A third individual, believed to be an accomplice, was later arrested in connection with the assault.
Among the victims were men and women of varying ages, including at least one foreign national, though authorities have not yet released all identities. Hospitals across Jerusalem reported treating multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, with several in critical condition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as an “act of barbaric terrorism,” vowing that Israel would “strike back with full force.” He described the shooting as part of a broader wave of violence tied to escalating tensions in Jerusalem and Gaza.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad praised the assault but stopped short of claiming responsibility. Both groups said the attack was a response to ongoing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and what they described as increasing aggression in the West Bank.
The incident comes at a time of heightened volatility in the region. Just days earlier, Netanyahu warned Gaza residents to evacuate ahead of a possible ground operation, while the United States pushed Hamas to accept a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Analysts fear the Jerusalem shooting will further complicate diplomatic efforts and fuel demands inside Israel for harsher military action.
International leaders quickly condemned the attack. The U.S. State Department called it a “cowardly act of terror,” while the European Union urged restraint to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, the United Nations once again appealed to both sides to prioritize civilian safety amid spiraling violence.
For Jerusalem’s residents, the attack is a grim reminder of the fragile security situation. As police increase patrols across the city and emergency services remain on high alert, the mood in Israel’s capital is one of grief, anger, and uncertainty over what comes next.