Six Killed in Jerusalem Bus Stop Shooting, President Condemns Attack

In a tragic incident in Jerusalem, six people were killed and twelve others injured when Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop during the morning rush hour on Monday. The attack, described by President Michael D Higgins as “unconscionable,” highlights the ongoing violence in the region and the disregard for human life. This incident marks the deadliest shooting in Israel since October 2024.

Israeli officials confirmed that two attackers were shot and killed by an Israeli soldier and civilians present at the scene. Following the shooting, police arrested a third individual connected to the attack. Eyewitness footage captured the chaos as dozens fled the busy intersection, with the windshield of a nearby bus punctured by bullets and personal belongings strewn across the street.

Details of the Attack and Immediate Response

The shooting occurred at a crucial junction leading to Jewish settlements in east Jerusalem. Paramedics reported that broken glass littered the area, and wounded individuals were found lying unconscious on the ground. Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, confirmed that the attackers were Palestinian, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. His court appearance for an ongoing corruption trial was postponed due to the attack.

Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is engaged in “a war on multiple fronts,” addressing the violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and within Israel itself. He commended the soldier who neutralized the attackers, noting that he belonged to a newly-formed unit comprised of ultra-Orthodox soldiers. In the aftermath, hundreds of security personnel were deployed to search for any additional attackers or explosives in the vicinity.

Broader Context of Violence in the Region

On the same day, police announced the arrest of a resident from east Jerusalem in connection with the violence. The Israeli military has responded by encircling Palestinian villages near Ramallah, intensifying its security measures in light of the recent escalation. The ongoing conflict has seen a rise in violence from both Palestinian militants and Israeli settlers, contributing to a cycle of retaliation.

Hamas praised the attack but did not claim direct responsibility, framing it as a “natural response to the occupation’s crimes against our people.” This incident follows a similar attack in October 2024, when two Palestinians opened fire on a light rail train in Tel Aviv, killing seven individuals. That attack, claimed by Hamas’s military wing, was the deadliest since the onset of the current conflict, which began with a significant escalation on October 7, 2023.

According to the UN’s humanitarian office, at least 49 Israelis, including soldiers and police, have been killed by Palestinians since the conflict began, with the death toll on the Palestinian side reaching at least 968, as reported between the start of the war and July 2025. These figures highlight the devastating impact of the violence on both communities, with casualties including militants, stone throwers, and innocent civilians.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, urging for a renewed focus on peace and respect for human life amid the ongoing conflict.