Jerusalem Attack: Palestinian Gunmen Kill 6 Amid Ongoing Gaza War; Will Hamas Agree To Trump’s Last Warning?

Two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a crowded bus stop on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Monday (September 8. 2025), killing six people and injuring more than 20 others. Police described it as one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent years. The shooting incident happened at a major intersection, with a road leading to Jewish settlements in east Jerusalem.

Footage from a dashboard camera at Ramot Junction showed people scrambling for cover as the attackers fired. Both gunmen were shot dead at the scene by a soldier and an armed civilian, police said. They also arrested a third person in connection with the shooting.

One of the deadliest shooting incidents in Jerusalem comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the war, that has been going on for over 22 months now.

Jerusalem bus stop shooting: Who were the victims?

The ambulance service identified five of the victims as a 50-year-old man, a woman in her fifties, and three men in their thirties. A sixth victim later died of injuries, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Six others remain in serious condition, while more than 20 in total sustained injuries.

Spain confirmed that one of its citizens was among the dead.

Ramot Junction: Who was behind the attack?

The Israeli government said the gunmen were Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Police reported that they arrived by car, opened fire at the bus stop, and left behind several weapons including guns, ammunition, and a knife. A suspect from East Jerusalem, believed to have assisted the attackers, was later arrested.

Palestinian militant group Hamas welcomed the shooting in Jerusalem but did not claim responsibility for it and called it a “natural response to the occupation’s crimes against our people.” President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, condemned “any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians”.

Jerusalem shooting: How leaders responded?

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, calling it a “painful and difficult morning” in which innocent civilians were murdered “in cold blood.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting the scene, said security forces were pursuing anyone who aided the attackers.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also issued a statement denouncing “any targeting of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.” International condemnation followed quickly from Spain, France, the EU, and the UAE.

How does the latest attack fit into the wider conflict?

The shooting unfolded against the backdrop of nearly two years of war in Gaza, where Israel’s campaign against Hamas has devastated the territory. Gazan health officials say more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, after Hamas’ cross-border attack killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.

Since then, attacks by Palestinians targeting Israeli civilians and soldiers have surged. Past incidents include the January 2023 synagogue shooting in Jerusalem that killed seven, and a November 2023 bus stop attack that left three dead.

Israel-Gaza ceasefire: What is Trump’s proposal?

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (September 7, 2025), who has repeatedly claimed to have stopped many wars across the world, said that everyone wants the Hostages HOME. “Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well.”

With this, Trump underlined that he has warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. “This is my last warning, there will not be another one!”

After Trump’s ceasefire declaration, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced Israel was ready to accept a full deal ending the war that would include the release of hostages and Hamas laying down its arms.

How Hamas responded to Trump’s ceasefire deal?

The pro-Palestinian militant group stated it was ready to enter negotiations with the United States over the release of hostages. In a statement on Monday, Hamas said it had received US ceasefire proposals through mediators, but said any deal must include a public commitment by Israel to uphold the terms and avoid repeating past breaches.

Hamas holds nearly 50 Israeli hostages, of which 20 are still thought to be alive. The US wants the group to release all remaining hostages on the first day of a ceasefire in exchange for Israel freezing its assault on Gaza City.

In a statement via Telegram on Monday, it said, “Hamas welcomes any step that supports the efforts to stop the aggression on our people and confirms readiness to immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of ending the war, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee of independent Palestinians to run the Gaza Strip and to start its work immediately.”

What is the situation in Gaza?

According to the Israeli army, an assassination attempt on top Hamas leaders in Qatar’s capital Doha has been carried out. Further, multiple explosions have been heard in the region. Following Israel’s strikes in Qatar, Pope Leo expressed concern, saying, “There’s some really serious news right now.”

As Israel furthers its military operations on the outskirts of Gaza city, the force struck a high-rise building. The strike came shortly after announcing a campaign targeting structures allegedly used by Hamas, particularly tall buildings serving as command hubs.

The military has declared its intent to seize control of the city, which remains home to nearly one million people, according to United Nations estimates.