Suspected Terror Attack in Israel as Vehicle Runs Into Pedestrians on Highway Near Hanna-Kakur Intersection

Vehicle runs into pedestrians on highway near Hanna-Kakur, leaving multiple casualties in what authorities are calling a suspected terror attack.

The incident occurred at the bustling Pardes Hanna-Karkur intersection in Israel on Thursday when a driver rammed his car into a crowded bus stop, injuring at least 14 people. Among the injured, a 17-year-old girl is in critical condition, while two police officers suffered stab wounds in a subsequent altercation.

Chaos and Casualties at the Scene

The attack took place in broad daylight at the Karkur Junction, a well-known and frequently used intersection near Haifa. Witnesses described scenes of horror as the vehicle, driven at high speed, plowed into a group of pedestrians waiting at the bus stop. Israeli paramedics and rescue workers rushed to the scene, providing emergency medical care to the injured.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency rescue service, reported that medical personnel performed immediate life-saving procedures, including stopping bleeding and stabilizing the critically wounded.

The victims were then transported to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, where one remains in critical condition, two in serious condition, and several others sustained moderate injuries.

Read : University of Cambridge Has Lost High Court Bid to Block Israel And Palestine-Related Protests

Avi Cohen, a paramedic on the scene, described the immediate aftermath, saying, “When we arrived, they were lying on the ground. We immediately began providing medical treatment to all the injured, including stopping bleeding and bandaging wounds.”

The Perpetrator and His Intentions

Israeli police swiftly launched an investigation into the incident, classifying it as a suspected terror attack. According to initial reports, the driver, later identified as 53-year-old Jamil Zayoud, deliberately targeted civilians waiting at the bus stop before ramming into a police car and injuring an officer.

Authorities confirmed that Zayoud was originally from the Jenin area but had been living illegally in Ma’ale Iron, an Israeli town, with his Arab-Israeli wife.

Read : Colombia Suspends Coal Exports to Israel Due to War in Gaza

Zayoud’s actions did not stop at the car-ramming attack. After crashing his vehicle, he proceeded to exit the car and attempted to stab police officers at the scene.

Two officers sustained injuries before law enforcement personnel managed to neutralize him. The assailant was shot dead, ensuring that no further harm was inflicted upon civilians or law enforcement.

Israel’s security forces have increased their presence in the region following the attack, fearing potential coordinated attempts to incite violence.

Preliminary findings from the police investigation indicate that Zayoud had planned the attack in advance, with the specific intent to harm civilians and security forces.

Responses from Authorities and Public Outcry

The incident has drawn swift condemnation from Israeli authorities, with officials vowing to take stricter security measures to prevent further attacks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been briefed on the situation, and intelligence agencies are working to determine whether the attacker had any affiliations with terrorist organizations.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Israel Police said, “Suspected terror attack in Pardes Hanna-Karkur. Officers swiftly intercepted the vehicle and neutralized the suspect. Preliminary findings indicate that he deliberately targeted civilians waiting at a bus stop.”

Local residents and political leaders expressed their outrage and concern over the attack. Calls for increased security at major transportation hubs have grown louder, with many demanding immediate action from the government to curb further incidents.

The injured, including the critically wounded 17-year-old girl, remain under medical care. Doctors at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center have confirmed that the young woman is unconscious, sedated, and breathing with the help of a ventilator after sustaining severe head and limb injuries. The hospital continues to monitor her condition closely while providing necessary treatment to other victims.

As the investigation progresses, Israeli officials remain on high alert, emphasizing that terrorist attacks must be met with decisive action to ensure the safety of civilians.

Meanwhile, security forces have increased patrols in various regions to deter potential threats. The tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges Israel faces and the resilience of its people in the face of such threats.