A mass-casualty shooting attack at the Ramot Junction, the northern entrance to Jerusalem, left six civilians dead and more than a sozen injured, 6 in serious or critical condition, according to Magen David Adom and Israeli police. Police confirmed both attackers were neutralized on the scene by an off-duty soldier and civilians with handguns.

The incident began at approximately 10:13 a.m. when two Arab assailants opened fire at a crowded bus stop at Ramot Junction on Yigal Yadin Street. Reports indicate that at least one of the gunmen boarded a bus before opening fire at passengers and civilians waiting nearby. Israeli authorities immediately classified the incident as a suspected terror attack. Six so far have been killed, with six in serious or critical condition. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted in the middle of the morning commute at a crowded bus stop.

Emergency responders identified the fatalities as one man around age 50, a woman aged sixty, and three men in their 30s. MDA reported that the wounded included both men and women, with injuries ranging from critical gunshot wounds to lighter trauma caused by shattered glass and falling while fleeing the scene. Victims were later named as: Levi Yitzhak Pash, Yaakov Pinto, Yisrael Matsner, Yosef David, Dr. “Mark” Mordechai Steintzeg, and Sarah Mendelson.

The shooters were Arabs from the Ramallah area. They were brought to the scene by an Arab driver from a-Tur, a Jerusalem suburb, whose yellow license plates enabled him to move through checkpoints.

Medical Response

MDA paramedics and United Hatzalah teams were dispatched immediately after emergency calls were received. Within minutes, large forces were on the scene. Paramedic Nadav Tayeb, one of the first to arrive, said: “We arrived at the scene and saw people lying unconscious on the road, on the side of the road, and on the sidewalk near a bus stop.” His account confirmed the scale of casualties and the urgency of evacuation.

Ambulances transported the most critically wounded to Hadassah Ein Kerem and Shaare Zedek Medical Center, while others were taken to Hadassah Mount Scopus. Hospitals activated mass-casualty protocols. Surgeons began operating on several patients within the first hour. Hospital spokespeople reported that at least five patients remained in critical condition by midday, with others listed as serious, moderate, or lightly injured.

Security Response

Israel Police confirmed that both attackers were neutralized on site. They were shot and killed by responding officers and possibly an armed soldier at the scene. Jerusalem District Commander Doron Turgeman took charge of operations, and large police contingents sealed off the junction. Access roads into and out of Ramot were closed as bomb disposal units and forensic teams searched the area for secondary devices or evidence. The scene remained cordoned off for hours, with traffic diverted and long delays reported on northern approaches into the city.

A formal police statement said: “The terrorists were neutralized on the spot. Large police forces under the command of the district commander are operating at the scene. The public is requested to avoid the area until further notice.” Investigators have begun tracing the weapons used, believed to be automatic rifles, and are examining whether the attackers had logistical support from networks in Judea and Samaria.

Witness Accounts

Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire without warning, aiming directly at people waiting at the bus stop and at passengers boarding a bus. Survivors described diving for cover as bullets struck glass panels and metal railings. Several commuters armed with handguns reportedly returned fire alongside police. Security camera footage from buses and nearby shops is being reviewed by investigators.

An unconfirmed report on Channel 14 cited an eyewitness as saying that the bus driver abandoned the bus, allowing the terrorists to enter and start shooting. Three Israelis were involved in killing the terrorists, all orthodox men, led by an off-duty commander in and all-haredi IDF unit.

Hospitals and Casualty Breakdown

Hadassah Ein Kerem confirmed it received the most seriously injured patients, including those with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Shaare Zedek reported treating several victims in surgery for abdominal and thoracic wounds. Hadassah Mount Scopus took in lightly injured patients, some suffering from glass shrapnel or injuries sustained while fleeing the scene. MDA Director Eli Bin stated that all casualties were evacuated from the scene within 25 minutes of the first emergency call.

Government and Official Reactions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed within minutes and issued a statement praising the quick actions of police and civilians. He and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived at the scene shortly afterward and pledged expanded security measures in Jerusalem. They and opposition leaders condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem condemned the shooting in a statement, expressing solidarity with Israel and support for its right to defend its citizens. European Union officials and foreign envoys issued similar messages.

Investigation

The identities of the attackers have not yet been released, pending investigation and notification of their families. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting as of midday. Police and Shin Bet are examining whether the assailants acted independently or were part of a broader terror cell. Forensic examination of the rifles and ammunition is ongoing. Security forces have increased patrols in northern Jerusalem and nearby routes to prevent copycat attempts.

Facts at a Glance

Fatalities: 5 civilians confirmed
Wounded: At least 11, with 5–6 in critical or serious condition
Attackers: 2, form near Ramallah both neutralized at the scene
Location: Ramot Junction, Yigal Yadin Street, northern entrance to Jerusalem
Response: Immediate police engagement, mass-casualty evacuation, road closures

Context

The Ramot Junction is a key traffic hub connecting Jerusalem’s northern neighborhoods and Highway 443 toward Tel Aviv. Its heavy commuter traffic has made it a target for past attacks. Today’s shooting was the most lethal in Jerusalem since the 2023 Givat Shaul bus stop attack, when three Israelis were killed. Officials note the similarity in method: multiple assailants using automatic weapons against civilians in transit hubs.

Current Status

As of early afternoon, four fatalities and at least 15 wounded remain the official tally. Hospitals continue treating the injured, with several in critical condition. Both attackers are confirmed dead. Roads around Ramot Junction remain under police control. Forensic teams are still at work and investigations continue.