Nine have been Injured in a Terrorist Shooting Attack Near Ariel - Gunman Neutralized

A terrorist attack on Friday afternoon near the Gitti Avishar intersection, south of Ariel, resulted in nine people being injured, including three seriously. The attack targeted a public bus traveling from Tel Aviv to Ariel, with the gunman firing from a white vehicle. The assailant, identified as Sheikh Samer Atal, a 47-year-old father of five from the Palestinian village of Einabus, was neutralized at the scene.

According to reports from Magen David Adom (MDA), three victims were seriously wounded from gunfire, while one was moderately injured. Five others sustained light injuries from broken glass when the gunman opened fire on the bus. MDA teams quickly responded, treating the wounded at the scene and evacuating them to Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. All victims were reportedly conscious upon evacuation.

In a disturbing audio recording from the scene, bursts of gunfire can be heard followed by the sounds of passengers crying. The bus, line 286 of the "Tnufa" company, was on its way to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred.

Suspected Terrorist Identified
The terrorist, who reportedly wore a vest and carried a small weapon, initially fired at the bus before exiting his vehicle and continuing the attack on foot. Security forces quickly arrived at the scene, and the terrorist was neutralized by a reserve force securing the intersection.

The Palestinian news agency identified the gunman as Sheikh Samer Atal. Initially, there were concerns that a second terrorist may have fled the scene, but Israeli security forces later ruled this out. The investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Widespread Condemnation and Calls for Action
The Israeli Bus Drivers' Organization of the National Federation of Trade Unions responded with strong criticism, calling for the immediate reintroduction of security guards on buses. "It is unthinkable that passengers will be attacked on buses again and again, and the State of Israel does not provide a proper response," the organization said.

Yossi Dagan, Chairman of the Samaria Regional Council, called the attack a "clear escalation" in the ongoing wave of terror. "The ability of a terrorist to attack in central Samaria as easily as if he were going out for coffee in Tel Aviv on a Friday afternoon is unfathomable," Dagan stated. He also demanded stronger security measures, including closing security checkpoints and intensifying military operations against Palestinian terrorist infrastructure.

Ozel Vatik, Head of the Kedumim Council, echoed these concerns, stating, "We are at war in Judea and Samaria, and those who do not understand this will wake up to far more severe attacks. It is time for a full military response to cleanse these areas of weapons and terrorists."

Ongoing Tensions and Escalating Violence
The attack highlights the rising violence in the West Bank and the wider region, as Israeli leaders warn of an ongoing threat posed by armed Palestinian groups. The Israeli government has faced increasing calls to act decisively to stop the flow of weapons and dismantle terrorist cells operating in the area.

This attack follows a series of similar incidents in recent months and comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The government's response to these security challenges remains a subject of intense debate as citizens, security forces, and local leaders demand more effective measures to ensure public safety.

Emergency Response and Aftermath
MDA medic Itamar Hachmov, who was among the first responders at the scene, described the chaotic conditions: "We arrived with large forces and saw three injured people lying near the bus, fully conscious but suffering from gunshot wounds. We treated them on the spot and evacuated them in stable condition." Several other victims, injured by glass splinters, were also evacuated to the hospital in mild condition.

The incident is under investigation, and Israeli security forces are taking additional measures to prevent further attacks in the area.