Armed attack in Jerusalem breaches Gaza ceasefire
Israeli police confirm the killing of 3 Israelis, including Rabbi Elimelech Wasserman, and the injury of 11 others with varying degrees of severity. The attackers were also reported dead
Three individuals, including Rabbi Elimelech Wasserman, were killed in a shooting at a bus station near the entrance of Jerusalem, marking the first attack since Hamas‘ assault on October 7th. This incident coincides with a one-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian movement. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in Tel Aviv to discuss the ceasefire and the Israeli-Palestinian prisoner exchange deal adds another layer to the situation.
Hebrew news sources state that among the casualties, besides Rabbi Wasserman, were a 24-year-old woman and an elderly woman. The Israeli police reportedly eliminated two attackers, one armed with an M16 rifle, while law enforcement continues to sweep the area to ensure no other armed individuals are present.
The Magen David Organization reported that its paramedics provided treatment to many people with moderate and serious injuries, while the Mada Center reported that the condition of the injured ranged from minor to moderate and critical.
According to Israeli news site Ynet, the two assailants arrived in a car and were neutralized by two soldiers and a civilian nearby. They were later identified as brothers from the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sur Baher: Ibrahim Namer (30 years old) and Murad Namer (38 years old). During the police search of their car, cartridges and a large quantity of ammunition were found.
Doron Turgeman, the Jerusalem district commander of the Israeli police, stated from the attack scene that the assailants were from “East Jerusalem, one armed with an M16 rifle and the other with a pistol. Quick responses from two soldiers at the bus station and another civilian led to neutralizing the attackers.”
Extreme National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the attack site and spoke to journalists, emphasizing the need for civilians to carry weapons as evidenced by the attack. He connected the incident to his policy of allowing more civilians to bear arms.
Ben-Gvir, who threatened to bring down the government coalition if the war against Hamas does not continue, is leading a campaign to arm thousands of settlers in the West Bank. Settler groups have carried out attacks in the West Bank, resulting in the deaths and injuries of Palestinians.
These groups have used the war on Hamas to escalate their attacks, forcing Palestinians to leave their homes and lands, especially those close to settlements.
It is expected that Ben-Gvir and the settlers will exploit the Jerusalem attack to escalate tensions in the West Bank, paralleling ongoing Israeli military operations in several cities, including the Jenin camp, facing the fiercest attack in days as it pursues members of the Jenin Brigade, one of the prominent armed factions clashing with occupation forces.
