What happened

A 12-year-old boy was critically injured after a cowardly attack on a civilian bus traveling from the Gush Etzion area to Jerusalem. Shots were reportedly fired from a passing vehicle near al-Khader junction.

Why it matters

This terrorist act not only demonstrates the continued threat faced by civilians in Israel but also highlights the underlying security challenges for citizens who commute daily in the region.

The details

The bus, which managed to reach a military checkpoint on the Jerusalem perimeter, carried those injured in the attack. Emergency responders acted swiftly to provide immediate medical care.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) swiftly confirmed it as a terror attack. In an immediate response to the incident, southbound traffic on Begin Road from Jerusalem was closed to aid the search operation. A joint command center comprising the IDF, Shin Bet, Border Police, and local police was expediently formed to identify and track the suspect’s vehicle.

Among the victims was a 40-year-old woman who suffered minor injuries, while two others faced light wounds from shrapnel. Prompt medical intervention ensured their transport to Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Medical Centers.

Emergency response

Magen David Adom paramedic Elchai Sofer and EMT Yaakov Grinwald, reflecting on their rapid response, stated: “Upon arrival, we found passengers still aboard the bus. A 12-year-old boy with severe gunshot wounds to his upper body was in critical condition. We initiated life-saving measures immediately while transporting him to Hadassah Ein Kerem, determined to save his life.”

The larger context

This attack underscores the persistent challenges Israel faces in ensuring the safety and security of its people against radical threats. Global solidarity and increased intelligence efforts are paramount to address and prevent future tragedies of this nature.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.