Terror Strikes Jerusalem: Six Killed, Many Hurt in Bus Stop Shooting; Attackers Shot Dead
Image via The Indian Express
Date: September 8, 2025
Jerusalem woke up to horror on Monday morning. A deadly shooting attack at the busy Ramot Junction left at least six people dead and many others injured. The tragedy happened at the northern entrance of the city, just as workers, students, and families filled the streets during rush hour.
How the attack unfolded
According to Israeli police, two men armed with automatic rifles got out of a vehicle near the bus stop. Without warning, they opened fire on people waiting for buses. Witnesses said the sound of gunfire caused panic. Some passengers on a nearby bus were also hit by bullets.
Security officials said the attackers sprayed bullets for several seconds. People screamed and tried to hide behind cars, trees, and bus shelters. Many fell to the ground either injured or taking cover. Within moments, an Israeli soldier and a civilian at the scene drew their weapons and fired back. Both attackers were shot dead before they could escape.
The human toll
The shooting left behind a heavy human cost. Four victims were declared dead at the scene. Two more died later in the hospital. Health officials said at least 12 to 15 people were injured, including several in critical condition. Others suffered wounds from shattered glass when bus windows broke during the gunfire.
Paramedics from Magen David Adom rushed to the scene within minutes. They found chaos. Victims lay on the road and sidewalks. Bystanders tried to help by pressing cloths against bleeding wounds. Ambulances carried the most serious cases to Shaare Zedek and Hadassah hospitals. Doctors said they worked through the morning to save lives, performing emergency surgeries.
Scene of panic
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene. “I was standing in line for the bus when I heard shots,” said one woman. “Everyone started running. I saw people falling. I thought I was going to die.” Another witness said, “There was glass everywhere. I could hear children screaming. It was like a battlefield.”
Police quickly sealed the area. Roads around Ramot Junction were blocked. Helicopters flew overhead, and special forces searched nearby neighborhoods in case there were more attackers. Shops in the area closed their doors, and parents rushed to pick up children from schools.
Who were the attackers?
Israeli authorities identified the gunmen as Palestinians from villages near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Their names were not immediately released. Security agencies believe they may have acted on behalf of militant groups, though no group officially claimed responsibility at first. Later, Hamas praised the attack, calling it “heroic,” but stopped short of saying it planned the shooting.
Strong reactions from leaders
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the attack within hours. Standing near the bus stop where broken glass still covered the ground, he gave a strong warning. “We are in a fierce war against terrorism on several fronts,” he said. “This war will not break us. Anyone who tries to harm us will pay the price.” Netanyahu promised new security measures and said Israel would hunt for anyone who helped the attackers.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack. He praised the bravery of the soldier and civilian who stopped the gunmen. “Without their quick action, the death toll could have been much higher,” he said.
Opposition politicians joined in condemnation but also criticized the government, saying it had failed to prevent growing violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
International response
The United States, European Union, and United Nations quickly released statements condemning the attack. U.S. officials said they stood with Israel against terrorism and called for calm. Several countries urged both sides to avoid steps that could worsen tensions.
Wider context
The shooting comes at a time of heightened violence. In recent months, clashes between Israeli forces and militants in Gaza and the West Bank have become more frequent. Several smaller attacks had already shaken Jerusalem earlier this year. But Monday’s bloodshed was the deadliest in the city since late 2023.
The attack also adds pressure on Israel’s security services. They face growing criticism for not being able to prevent lone attackers or small groups from carrying out deadly operations inside major cities. Analysts say the incident could lead to tougher checkpoints, more military raids, and stricter border controls.
Community in shock
As the day went on, families of victims gathered at hospitals. Some searched for missing relatives. Funerals for the dead are expected to take place soon, and the community is preparing for days of mourning. The smell of candles and flowers already filled the area where the shooting took place, as residents began leaving tributes.
For many, the attack reopened old wounds. “We have been through this too many times,” said one Jerusalem resident. “Every time you leave your house, you are afraid something like this might happen. We just want peace.”
Summary
- Event: Shooting at Jerusalem’s Ramot Junction
- Date: September 8, 2025
- Casualties: Six killed, 12–15 injured
- Attackers: Two Palestinian gunmen, killed by security forces
- Response: Heavy police presence, roads blocked, hospitals on high alert
- Reactions: Strong condemnation by Israeli leaders, praise from Hamas, concern from global powers
The attack has left the city shaken and raised new fears about the future of security in Israel’s capital.