An Israeli-Canadian teenager was murdered Wednesday morning after a backpack exploded in the first of the two Palestinian terrorist bombings. Near a bus station by the central entrance to Jerusalem, Israel, around 7:00 AM, a remote explosive device was set off, injuring dozens and killing one teenager. About half an hour later, at 07:35, an explosive device exploded at a bus station by the Ramot intersection also in Jerusalem.
At least 22 people who were injured in the two terrorist attacks suspected to be connected, were evacuated to the city's different hospitals, including 3 in critical condition. According to the initial evidence found in the two scenes, the charges that exploded were packed with nails and marbles and set off remotely, most likely by cell phone.
This is the "pro-Palestine" movement in a nutshell. This is what "from the river to the sea" looks like. This. https://t.co/f9GJha5p8m
— David Hazony (@davidhazony) November 23, 2022
Following the attack, which reminded many of the horrific attacks during the Second Intifada which began over two decades ago, the Jerusalem District Police began extensive searches at bus stops, trams, and anywhere with large concentrations of people. Hundreds of police officers from the Jerusalem district and border patrol troops are working together with the Israel Defense Forces in extensive searches throughout the city and its surroundings. K9 units, patrol officers, and police cavalry are also participating in the investigations.
🚨BREAKING
— Daniel Cohen (@DanielCohenTV) November 23, 2022
CCTV in Jerusalem captures the moment a bag exploded at a bus stop killing a 15 year old on his way to a Yeshiva.
Another exploded 30 min later near Ramot.
Police call it a “coordinated double terror attack” reminiscent of the intifadas.
Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/H7Sl2TmlhH
Among other things, the police and Israel's security agency, the Shin Bet are looking at the security cameras from the sites of the two attacks, and there are attempts by leading intelligence officials to identify the attackers. Avi Biton, the father of one of the seriously injured in the explosion at the entrance to the city, told the “Yedioth Ahronoth” newspaper his son saw a man with an Arab appearance who took pictures of the station a few minutes before The explosion. According to him, "he took pictures of the people at the station and disappeared."
BARUCH HASHEM
— Malkah Fleisher 🕎 (@MalkahFleisher) November 23, 2022
The attack took place just when many Israeli officials spoke of a decline in the wave of terrorism. Based on the severity of this attack, the IDF and police will have to reevaluate what they thought to be a fading issue. In addition, Israel's intelligence about attacks is typically solid and many are concerned about the lack of 'chatter' about an attack this size and scale.
Officials have described the devices as 'well-made' and more 'sophisticated' than what has been used in the past. While Israel does not speculate as to who is behind attacks until they know, this time officials have said it has to have had the backing of a significant organization.
May his memory be blessed.
— RedLehi (@LehiRed) November 23, 2022
It should be noted that the second explosion was just a few miles north in Jerusalem and could actually be heard at the scene of the first attack. The explosion can clearly be heard during a live radio interview with Dobi Wiesenstern, the CEO of “Zaka”, an organization that aids Magen David Adom, the Israel Ambulance Corp, evacuate and assist injured.
Wisenstern was heard saying: "Anyone who is in the area should not approach, probably another explosion. Tell people not to approach, that they should not come. There are a lot of cops on site."
