After the attack that left at least three dead at a bus stop in Jerusalem, it is now clear who was behind it. Of all people, the Islamist Hamas, which has recently been in ongoing negotiations with Israel over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and hostage agreements, has taken responsibility.
According to Israeli rescue service Magen David Adom, two assassins shot at people waiting at the stop, killing at least three people. Several others were injured.
Killer shot by soldiers and civilians
The two attackers, who came to the crime scene in a car, were shot by soldiers and an armed civilian. According to Israeli media, they came from the Arab eastern part of Jerusalem.
“Natural response to unprecedented crimes”
The attackers were members of Hamas, the extremists said in a statement Thursday afternoon. The act was the “natural response to the unprecedented crimes committed by the occupiers (Israel, note) in the Gaza Strip and against children in Jenin (the West Bank).”
Minister of Security: “Only talk to Hamas through rifle scopes”
It is still completely unclear what impact the shocking incident will have on hostage negotiations and a ceasefire. During a visit to the crime scene, Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir viewed the attack as proof that his country should not show weakness. You can only talk to Hamas ‘through rifle scopes, only through war’. The minister, who is considered a right-wing hardliner, announced that the government wants to further relax regulations surrounding the issuance of firearms licenses to private individuals.
Just hours before the attack, the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was extended for another day. A total of sixteen Hamas hostages were released on Thursday evening and in return thirty Palestinian prisoners were released from Israeli prisons.
Blinken offers condolences and continues to call for a ceasefire
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was in Tel Aviv on Thursday, said the attack “demonstrated the threat of terrorism that Israel and Israelis face every day.” He expressed his condolences for the victims. At the same time, during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken emphasized how essential the ceasefire was from the American perspective. “This process is delivering results, it is important and we hope it can continue.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
