A vehicle rammed into pedestrians at the Karkur junction near Haifa, northern Israel, wounding at least 10 people, including a critically injured 17-year-old girl. Police labeled the incident a “suspected terror attack” and arrested a 53-year-old Palestinian suspect who entered Israel unlawfully. Authorities believe he deliberately targeted civilians at a bus stop. The attack comes amid heightened tensions due to Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, particularly aimed at Palestinian militancy in Jenin. These operations, named “Iron Wall,” have escalated following a recent ceasefire in Gaza.
Jerusalem:
A vehicle struck pedestrians in northern Israel on Thursday, which police referred to as a “suspected terror attack,” resulting in at least 10 individuals injured, according to medical personnel.
“There is a suspicion that this incident is a terror attack. Police forces successfully intercepted a suspicious vehicle and detained a suspect believed to be responsible for the ramming” at the Karkur junction located south of Haifa, police stated in a release.
Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, reported that its team provided assistance to 10 injured individuals at the scene, including a 17-year-old girl who is in critical condition.
The suspect, described as a “53-year-old Palestinian from the Jenin region, who was in Israel illegally and married to an Israeli citizen,” was noted by police in their statement.
“Initial findings suggest that he intentionally targeted civilians waiting at a bus stop,” it continued.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as the Israeli military conducts a significant offensive in the northern occupied West Bank, deploying tanks for the first time in 20 years.
Named “Iron Wall” by the Israeli military, the operation commenced shortly after a ceasefire was established in Gaza and encompasses several refugee camps near the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas.
Military actions are a frequent occurrence in Jenin’s refugee camp, with the UN estimating its population to be around 24,000 before the offensive commenced.
Jenin refugee camp has long been recognized as a stronghold of Palestinian militancy, which Israel has aimed to dismantle for years.
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