A terrorist attack in Jerusalem on July 7, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including three rabbis, and left 21 others injured. The assault occurred at the Ramot Junction, where two assailants targeted civilians waiting at a bus stop and on a bus before they were neutralized by an off-duty soldier and civilians at the scene.
The attack unfolded when the two terrorists opened fire using a makeshift “Carlo” submachine gun, also known as the Carl Gustav. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and devastation. Paramedic Nadav Taib recounted, “When we arrived, we saw people lying unconscious on the road, on the side of the road, and on the sidewalk near a bus stop. There was a lot of destruction, shattered glass on the floor, and a lot of commotion.” Fellow paramedic Fadi Dkaidek echoed his sentiments, stating, “This is a very severe scene. The wounded were lying on the road and sidewalk near a bus station, some of them unconscious.”
Survivors of the attack shared harrowing accounts. An elderly woman, who was a passenger on the bus, described the moment the shooting began, saying, “Gunfire like nothing I’ve ever experienced.” Another witness noted that just before the shooting, a suspicious man made a phone call, raising concerns among those nearby.
In the aftermath of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that such incidents only strengthen Israel’s resolve. “Terror attacks increase our determination to complete our missions, in Judea and Samaria, too — everywhere,” he stated, affirming the ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir highlighted the effectiveness of arming civilians, claiming, “Weapons save lives.” He described the morning as “painful and difficult,” condemning the brutal nature of the attack that left innocent civilians, including women and children, targeted in cold blood.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “In the face of this barbarity, we saw extraordinary acts of heroism which prevented even further loss of innocent lives.” Herzog characterized the assault as a reminder of the ongoing battle against “absolute evil” and called for global understanding of the challenges Israel faces.
The attack has drawn mixed reactions, with some groups labeling it as a “heroic and unique operation” in response to Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories. This statement highlights the complex and contentious backdrop against which such violence occurs.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing dashcam footage and eyewitness testimonies to gather more information. The tragic event underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the persistent threat of violence that affects both Israeli and Palestinian communities.