One Israeli was killed, and eight Israelis were wounded, including three severely, after gunshots were fired on Highway 1 near Ma’ale Adumim just outside of Jerusalem, Israel Police confirmed early Thursday morning.
Three terrorists were killed on the scene of the attack by armed civilians, police said. They have been identified as Muhammed Zuwarah, aged 26, and his brother Hathem Zuwarah, aged 31. Along with them was Ahmad al-Hush, aged 31. All three were Palestinian residents of Bethlehem.
Initial reports stated that the terrorists took advantage of a traffic jam on the highway. They came in two separate vehicles fully armed with an M-16 rifle, a Carlo submachine gun, grenades, and cartridges.
They then exited their vehicles and began to shoot toward people sitting inside their cars.
The two terrorists who began shooting and were neutralized, while a third who tried to escape was later located.
Police at the scene of the shooting outside of Ma;ale Adumim, two terrorists were killed on the scene (Credit VIA MAARIV)
Those at the scene of the attack
Paramedics rushed to the scene, providing treatment for the wounded.
MDA said that the man killed was 20 years old. 11 people were evacuated to nearby Jerusalem hospitals.
Among the wounded were 4 in moderate condition, fully conscious, including a 30-year-old woman with gunshot wounds to her upper body, a 23-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the abdomen and limbs, a 51-year-old man with gunshot wounds to the limbs, and a 52-year-old woman with gunshot wounds to the limbs.
In addition, MDA teams evacuated four victims of the attack suffering from PTSD to the hospitals.
United Hatzalah volunteer EMT Avraham Becker reported: “There were injured people at several locations. I provided initial treatment to two women who suffered gunshot injuries and another woman who suffered from emotional shock. Other United Hatzalah EMTs worked at the other scenes and assisted several more people who were in various conditions.”
Taking advantage of the traffic jams
According to the Head of Efrat local council, Oded Revivi, who commented on the attack, the highway outside of Ma’ale Adumin is known for its constant morning traffic jams.
“For a long time now, we have been contacting the National Security Ministry, the Security Ministry, the IDF, and the police, warning them of the conduct at the tunnel checkpoint. These traffic jams are a recipe for plotting an attack against Israelis who stand in traffic,” said Revivi.
“We initially appealed in various meetings and through letters, and we even initiated a discussion in the National Security Committee in the Knesset. All the calls so far have unfortunately fallen on deaf ears,” Revivi concluded.
The deputy mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, Guy Yifrah, also responded to the attack, describing the situation as a state of emergency.
“Driving with Palestinians on Route 1 is a ticking time bomb. The Israeli government must stop the shared travel of Ma’ale Adumim residents with Palestinian vehicles,” Yifrah stated.
“I demand the construction of a new road immediately and without delay. Until this road is paved, two additional checkpoints should be constructed. Palestinians must not be allowed to enter Jerusalem without inspection,” He added.
This is a developing story.
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