Deadly Highway Attack Near Jerusalem Leaves One Dead, Several Injured

One Israeli was killed and eight others were injured, with three suffering severe injuries, in a shooting attack on Highway 1 in the West Bank, near Maale Adumim, just outside of Jerusalem, according to Israel Police. The attack occurred early Thursday morning when three Palestinian terrorists, armed with an M-16 rifle, a Carlo submachine gun, grenades, and cartridges, ambushed civilians caught in a traffic jam. The attackers, identified as Muhammed Zuwarah, 26, his brother Hathem Zuwarah, 31, and Ahmad al-Hush, 31, all residents of Bethlehem, were neutralized on-site by armed civilians and police.

Paramedics from the Magen David Adom and United Hatzalah emergency medical organizations swiftly responded, treating victims at the scene before evacuating 11 people to nearby hospitals in Jerusalem. Among the wounded were four in moderate condition, including individuals with gunshot wounds to the upper body, abdomen, and limbs. Additionally, four victims suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder were also hospitalized.

The attack has sparked outrage and concern among local officials. Oded Revivi, head of the Efrat local council, criticized the lack of action in response to repeated warnings about the vulnerability of the area’s constant traffic jams. Guy Yifrah, deputy mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, called for immediate infrastructure changes to prevent Palestinians from entering Jerusalem without inspection, labeling the current situation a “ticking time bomb.”