Gunmen Attack Bus in West Bank, Killing Three Amid Escalating Violence

Gunmen Attack Bus in Israeli-Occupied West Bank, Killing Three

Gunmen opened fire on a bus and other vehicles near the village of Al-Funduq in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Monday, killing three people and injuring seven. The attack comes amid escalating violence in the region following the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

Emergency services confirmed the deaths of two women in their 60s and a man around 40. Seven others on the bus, including the driver, were injured, with the driver in serious condition. Paramedics described a scene of multiple vehicles and a bus riddled with gunfire.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a manhunt for the attackers, setting up roadblocks and encircling nearby towns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, stating, "No one will be spared."

The attack sparked outrage among Israeli officials. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for a forceful response, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned of harsh consequences, comparing the situation to the devastation in Gaza.

The violence in the West Bank has intensified since the war in Gaza began. Israeli forces have killed at least 818 Palestinians, while Palestinian attacks have claimed the lives of 25 Israelis. The IDF's operations in Gaza have drawn criticism from the UN and humanitarian groups, particularly over attacks on hospitals and civilian camps.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire have been ongoing, but Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the possibility of the war extending beyond President Biden's term. President-elect Donald Trump has promised a swift end to the conflict, though details of his approach remain unclear.