(ConservativeJournal.org) – Hamas has asserted responsibility for a fatal shooting at a crowded bus stop in west Jerusalem, resulting in the death of three Israelis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response, vowed to eradicate the Palestinian group whenever the hostage releases stop.
The incident cast a shadow over discussions focused on extending the ongoing truce in Gaza. Despite the attack, Egypt and Qatar expressed optimism about securing a two-day extension by releasing an additional 20 hostages and 60 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.
Despite the shooting, there are indications that the existing framework for the truce remains intact. On Thursday, November 30, 6 more hostages held in Gaza were handed over to the Red Cross, marking the seventh consecutive night of releases under the agreement. Simultaneously, the Prison Service in Israel announced that 30 Palestinians were freed from Israeli jails as part of the truce deal with Hamas.
Two assailants, identified as 38-year-old Murad Namr, and 30 year old Ibrahim Namr, who are members of Hamas, opened fire with an assault rifle and a handgun at a bus stop in western Jerusalem, killing two women and a man, and injuring 13 others. The gunmen were swiftly neutralized by off-duty soldiers and an armed civilian.
The al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, later claimed responsibility, citing the operation as a response to the occupation of West Bank.
Among the victims were Livia Dickman, a 24-year-old pregnant teacher, Hanna Ifergan, a 65-year-old school principal, and Elimelech Wasserman, a 72-year-old rabbinical judge. Initial reports of a 16-year-old girl’s death were later corrected.
Netanyahu condemned the “Hamas murderers” for the attack in Jerusalem and emphasized Israel’s determination to eliminate Hamas. He outlined three goals for the ongoing conflict: securing the release of all remaining hostages, completely eradicating Hamas, and preventing future threats from Gaza.
Speaking after a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to pursuing these objectives, stating, “Nothing will stop us.”
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