OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
2:55 PM – Thursday, November 30, 2023
Three Israelis have been killed and 16 others are severely injured after two members of Hamas carried out a shooting at a crowded bus station near Jerusalem.
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The shooting occurred on Thursday morning, and according to Israeli police, the incident was carried out by two Hamas terrorists who drove near the Givat Shaul junction on the main highway from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in an “armed vehicle.”
The terrorists shot the victims at approximately 7:40 a.m., police say.
The three victims of the shooting offense who were killed were identified as 73-year-old Rabbi Elimelech Wasserman, 67-year-old Hana Ifergan, and 24-year-old Livia Dickman.
Hamas claimed responsibility regarding the two shooters and stated that the attack was a “response to Israeli crimes in Gaza and elsewhere.”
According to Israeli police, the two Hamas terrorists who carried out the shooting were later shot and killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers who were nearby to the scene of the crime.
Israeli media announced that the shooters were brothers and were affiliated with Hamas.
Shin Bet, an Israeli security agency, identified the shooters as brothers Murad and Ibrahim Namer, adding that they were associated with Hamas and had previously served prison sentences for terrorist activities, according to Israeli media.
“The initial investigation indicates that the terrorists arrived at the scene by car in the morning, armed with an M-16 rifle and a handgun,” a Jerusalem District Police spokesperson said. “At a certain point, the terrorists began shooting at civilians before subsequently being killed at the scene. A police search of the terrorists’ car revealed ammunition and weaponry.”
“At a bus stop they opened fire at people who were waiting there,” the police added. “The quick response of two soldiers and a civilian, who were close to the stop, neutralized the attackers.”
As a result of the shooting, the three victims enduring gunshot injuries were transported to the Hadassah Hospital and four other victims were being assisted for non-physical injuries, Israeli authorities said.
Additionally, the victims who survived the shooting were taken to two local hospitals with various wounds. The other victims involved were transported to the Shaarei Tzedek Hospital.
A significant amount of ammunition was later discovered by police officers who searched the vehicle of the gunmen.
On Thursday morning, United States Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew denounced the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Abhorrent terrorist attack in Jerusalem this morning. We unequivocally condemn such brutal violence. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and I offer my sincere condolences to all those affected,” Lew wrote.
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