Deadly Shooting in Jerusalem: Six Israelis Killed and Eight Injured

Sat Oct 18 2025 16:05:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a tragic attack at a bus stop in Jerusalem, six Israelis lost their lives, and several others were wounded by gunfire from Palestinian assailants. The incident marks one of the most lethal assaults in recent years, prompting a strong response from Israeli authorities.

A shooting incident in Jerusalem's Ramot Junction resulted in six Israeli fatalities and eight injuries. Two gunmen opened fire at a bus stop, with eyewitness accounts highlighting the chaos as people fled the scene. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, condemned the attack and pledged to pursue those responsible, while Hamas praised the incident. The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region as military operations intensify in Gaza.

Six Israelis have been killed and eight others wounded by Palestinian gunmen in one of the deadliest shooting attacks in Jerusalem in the past few years.

Israeli police said two terrorists arrived in a vehicle and opened fire towards a bus stop at Ramot Junction, on the city's northern outskirts. An off-duty soldier and a civilian returned fire, neutralising the attackers, it added.

Israeli media identified the dead as five men, aged between 25 and 79, and a 60-year-old woman. Local hospitals said two of the wounded were in serious condition.

There was no immediate claim from any armed groups, although Hamas praised the attack.

During a visit to the scene, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that Israel was in an intense war against terrorism on several fronts. He added that Israeli security forces had thwarted hundreds of attacks in the occupied West Bank this year, but, unfortunately, not this morning.

We are now engaged in pursuit and are cordoning off the villages from which the murderers came. We will apprehend whoever aided and dispatched them, and we will take even stronger steps, he added.

The Israeli military said soldiers were encircling Palestinian villages on the outskirts of the West Bank city of Ramallah to thwart terrorism and strengthen the defence effort.

Monday's attack took place at the end of the morning rush hour at the Ramot Junction.

Israeli police spokesman Lt Dean Elsdunne stated: The terrorists arrived by vehicle… and deliberately opened fire on a number of civilians who were waiting at that busy bus stop to start their day. Armed civilians at the scene acted quickly, returning fire and killing the two terrorists on the spot.

Witness accounts describe the chaos and fear as pedestrians fled the scene amidst the gunfire. One injured victim recounted feeling like she was running for her life in what seemed like an eternity.

Israeli media reported a resident of occupied East Jerusalem was arrested on suspicion of smuggling the attackers into the city by car.

In statements of condemnation, leaders from around the world, including French President Emmanuel Macron and US ambassador Mike Huckabee, expressed horror at the attack. The Israeli presidency and Hamas both made statements regarding the violence, highlighting the delicate and ongoing tension in the region.

The situation remains tense as Israel weighs military actions in response while also considering ceasefire proposals amid ongoing violence.