Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday voiced strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Jerusalem, where Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a crowded bus stop, killing six Israeli civilians and injuring many more. In his message, PM Modi extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished those wounded a quick and complete recovery. He described the assault as a “heinous terrorist attack on innocent civilians” and reiterated that India firmly rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, maintaining its consistent policy of zero tolerance towards such violence.
According to reports, the incident unfolded when two armed assailants opened fire at commuters waiting at the Ramot Junction bus stop, an area on the outskirts of Jerusalem. The attack, considered one of the deadliest in recent years, left scenes of chaos as people fled in panic. Dashcam footage captured the terrifying moments when bullets struck the area. Israeli police confirmed that the attackers, armed with guns, ammunition, and a knife, were neutralised on the spot by a soldier and an armed civilian who intervened swiftly.
Medical authorities later identified five of the deceased as a man and woman in their fifties along with three men in their thirties. Six others sustained critical injuries, while more than twenty individuals were reported hurt in total. Later, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed the death of a sixth victim, adding that the gunmen were Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Police also arrested a suspect from East Jerusalem for possible links to the attack.
The site of the incident, Ramot Junction, lies in a disputed area captured by Israel during the 1967 war and later annexed—a move not recognised by most of the international community. This added further tension to an already volatile situation, as the attack took place against the backdrop of an extended conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, Israeli military operations against Hamas have resulted in widespread devastation, while in the West Bank, Palestinians continue to face heightened military restrictions and frequent attacks by Jewish settlers.
Responses to the assault reflected the complexity of the region’s politics. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement condemning the targeting of civilians on both sides, emphasising that violence only fuels more suffering. However, militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad praised the attack as an act of resistance, though neither officially claimed responsibility.
International reaction was swift. Spain confirmed that one of its citizens was among the victims, with Madrid joining France, the European Union, and the United Arab Emirates in condemning the incident. These nations called for an end to the cycle of violence and reaffirmed the need for peace in the region.
By issuing his strong statement, Prime Minister Modi not only expressed India’s solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of this brutal assault but also reinforced India’s consistent global stance that terrorism, regardless of where it occurs or who carries it out, cannot be justified under any circumstances. His words underline India’s commitment to working with the international community to counter extremist violence and uphold peace and security.
