(12 December 2001 – 10:55pm) A passenger bus traveling from Bnei Brak to the Shomron community of Emanuel was targeted by terrorists at about 6:00pm resulting in the killing of 10 innocent persons and the wounding of approximately 30.
The Dan Company No. 189 bus was about 500 meters (yards) from the entrance to Emanuel when two roadside bombs were detonated, bringing the bus to a crawl. The driver, realizing the vehicle was not armor-plated to withstand gunfire, did his best to continue driving out of the line of fire as three terrorists began spraying the area with automatic weapons fire. The machinegun fire targeted persons fleeing for safety as well as motorists traveling on the road. One motorist, who is now fighting for his life in a Tel Aviv hospital, sustained gunshot wounds in his head and chest and well as other very serious injuries when his car veered out of control and flipped over.
Another motorist assessed the situation rapidly and drove his car into one of the terrorists who was shot to death shortly thereafter by soldiers. Two other terrorists fled on foot. A manhunt was implemented for the two who were in the Nahal Quanah area.
The first rescue units did not take long to respond, but they soon realized they too were being targeted by the gunfire. At least one emergency medical service responder was hospitalized for his light injuries.
The treatment and transport of the victims was significantly delayed as a result of the ongoing gunfire. Physicians stated there would undoubtedly be consequences to the delay in reaching hospitals, especially for the victims listed in serious condition who are fighting for their lives.
Basic and advance life support ambulance transported the victims to hospitals along with military helicopters. The wounded were taken to the Tel HaShomer Hospital in Tel Aviv, Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba, and Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. Close to 30 persons were wounded and some are fighting for their lives, reported in critical and serious condition.
Officials report terrorists from the Shechem area aligned with Hamas perpetrated the attack.
The names and details of the persons murdered are not cleared for release. What may be reported is that five of the victims are residents of Emanuel, and one is a resident of Betar Illit. Three of the persons have the same last name.
Emanuel community leaders expressed outrage, insisting the devastation endured tonight could have been avoided for the most part had the government responded to repeated demands for bulletproof buses on the Emanuel line. It is now being reported that the Dan Company will be receiving 11 bulletproof buses for the line in the coming days. One community leader commented it was tragic that the decision could only be made after the tragic loss of life.
TERRORISM HITS GAZA
Terrorists also struck in Gaza this evening. Suicide bombers detonated their explosive devices alongside Israeli vehicles in southern Gaza near the Palm Beach Hotel. Four persons with light injuries were transported to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. In northern Gaza, one person was lightly wounded in a mortar attack that hit the community of Ganei Tal.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer began consultations with senior security establishment officials after the evening of terror attacks. The Security Cabinet is meeting and government ministers will also convene later tonight.
A short time ago, air forces fighter craft targeted PA buildings in northern Gaza and Shechem. Analysts believe additional more serious strikes will follow after the cabinet has convened.
Statements of condemnation were released by the United States as the White House repeated calls for Yasser Arafat to bring an end to the terror or face the consequences.
Right-wing government coalition members are calling on the prime minister to dismantle the PA and begin restoring security to Yesha areas. Minister of National Infrastructure Avigdor Lieberman gave Mr. Sharon an ultimatum, to dismantle the PA or his Yisrael Beitenu party would withdraw from the coalition.
The Dan Company No. 189 bus was about 500 meters (yards) from the entrance to Emanuel when two roadside bombs were detonated, bringing the bus to a crawl. The driver, realizing the vehicle was not armor-plated to withstand gunfire, did his best to continue driving out of the line of fire as three terrorists began spraying the area with automatic weapons fire. The machinegun fire targeted persons fleeing for safety as well as motorists traveling on the road. One motorist, who is now fighting for his life in a Tel Aviv hospital, sustained gunshot wounds in his head and chest and well as other very serious injuries when his car veered out of control and flipped over.
Another motorist assessed the situation rapidly and drove his car into one of the terrorists who was shot to death shortly thereafter by soldiers. Two other terrorists fled on foot. A manhunt was implemented for the two who were in the Nahal Quanah area.
The first rescue units did not take long to respond, but they soon realized they too were being targeted by the gunfire. At least one emergency medical service responder was hospitalized for his light injuries.
The treatment and transport of the victims was significantly delayed as a result of the ongoing gunfire. Physicians stated there would undoubtedly be consequences to the delay in reaching hospitals, especially for the victims listed in serious condition who are fighting for their lives.
Basic and advance life support ambulance transported the victims to hospitals along with military helicopters. The wounded were taken to the Tel HaShomer Hospital in Tel Aviv, Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba, and Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikvah. Close to 30 persons were wounded and some are fighting for their lives, reported in critical and serious condition.
Officials report terrorists from the Shechem area aligned with Hamas perpetrated the attack.
The names and details of the persons murdered are not cleared for release. What may be reported is that five of the victims are residents of Emanuel, and one is a resident of Betar Illit. Three of the persons have the same last name.
Emanuel community leaders expressed outrage, insisting the devastation endured tonight could have been avoided for the most part had the government responded to repeated demands for bulletproof buses on the Emanuel line. It is now being reported that the Dan Company will be receiving 11 bulletproof buses for the line in the coming days. One community leader commented it was tragic that the decision could only be made after the tragic loss of life.
TERRORISM HITS GAZA
Terrorists also struck in Gaza this evening. Suicide bombers detonated their explosive devices alongside Israeli vehicles in southern Gaza near the Palm Beach Hotel. Four persons with light injuries were transported to the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. In northern Gaza, one person was lightly wounded in a mortar attack that hit the community of Ganei Tal.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer began consultations with senior security establishment officials after the evening of terror attacks. The Security Cabinet is meeting and government ministers will also convene later tonight.
A short time ago, air forces fighter craft targeted PA buildings in northern Gaza and Shechem. Analysts believe additional more serious strikes will follow after the cabinet has convened.
Statements of condemnation were released by the United States as the White House repeated calls for Yasser Arafat to bring an end to the terror or face the consequences.
Right-wing government coalition members are calling on the prime minister to dismantle the PA and begin restoring security to Yesha areas. Minister of National Infrastructure Avigdor Lieberman gave Mr. Sharon an ultimatum, to dismantle the PA or his Yisrael Beitenu party would withdraw from the coalition.