The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for an armed attack that occurred in Jerusalem today, Thursday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. In a statement released on their Telegram channel, the Qassam Brigades stated that the attack was in response to "the crimes of the occupation in killing children and women in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and defiling Al-Aqsa Mosque and the sacred sites." They added that the attack was a "direct warning message against the violations committed by (Israeli Security Minister Itamar) Ben Gvir and his gang against the prisoners in the occupation's jails."
Israeli ambulance services reported that three Israelis were killed and eight others injured during a shooting in the morning rush hour at one of the entrances to Jerusalem today. The Israeli police stated: "Two terrorists arrived at the location in a vehicle armed with weapons and opened fire on civilians at a bus station, and they were neutralized by security forces and a civilian who was nearby."
Jerusalem Police Chief Doron Turgeman confirmed to reporters at the scene that the attackers originated from East Jerusalem. A large number of ambulances and police vehicles gathered at the shooting site, and the police stated that they were searching the area to ensure there were no additional attackers.
The U.S. ambassador to Israel condemned the shooting. Ambassador Jack Lew stated, "A despicable terrorist attack occurred in Jerusalem this morning. We unequivocally condemn such brutal violence." Meanwhile, Minister Benny Gantz wrote on the social media platform X: "This attack is further evidence of our commitment to continue fighting vigorously and resolutely against the lethal assault threatening our citizens."
Right-wing Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated at the attack site: "What happened proves again that we should not show weakness and that we must speak to Hamas only through the barrel of (the guns) and through war." He added that "Israel will continue its policy of easing regulations for issuing weapon licenses to citizens."
The shooting occurred after Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) reached a last-minute agreement today to extend a six-day ceasefire in Gaza for one more day to allow negotiators to continue working on deals to exchange hostages held in the sector for Palestinian prisoners.
