A shooting attack in Jerusalem has left five people dead and several others wounded, Israeli paramedics confirmed late Monday, in one of the deadliest incidents in the city this year.
The assault took place near a busy intersection in the southern part of the city during the evening rush hour, when assailants reportedly opened fire on civilians waiting at a bus stop. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people fled in panic and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency service, said its paramedics pronounced five victims dead at the site and transported multiple others to nearby hospitals, some in critical condition. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for suspects.
Israeli police said preliminary findings suggest at least one gunman carried out the attack before being “neutralized.” Authorities have not yet released details about the attacker’s identity, but security sources indicated they were investigating potential ties to militant groups.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it “a heinous act of terror that will not break the resolve of our people.” He vowed a firm response and pledged to strengthen security across Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The attack comes amid a period of heightened tensions, with a surge in violence across Israel and the Palestinian territories over recent months. International leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressed concern and urged calm to prevent further escalation.
Hospital officials warned that the death toll could rise if the most severely wounded fail to recover. Families of victims have begun gathering at Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Hadassah Hospital as the city reels from the shock.
As investigators continue to piece together the circumstances, security forces remain on high alert. For many residents, Monday’s attack is a grim reminder of the fragile calm in Jerusalem and of how swiftly it can be shattered.
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