Israel terror attack: 13 injured in car-ramming incident at bus stop

A car-ramming incident at Karkur Junction in northern Israel on February 27, 2025, left 13 people injured, including a 17-year-old girl in critical condition. The assailant, identified as 53-year-old Jamil Zayoud, a Palestinian from Jenin, was residing illegally in Israel before carrying out the suspected terror attack. Police confirmed that Zayoud was neutralised at the scene, preventing further casualties.

The attack unfolded in the afternoon at approximately 4:18 PM local time, when Zayoud drove his black sedan into a crowd of pedestrians waiting at a bus stop at Karkur Junction. After striking multiple individuals, he attempted to flee but collided with a police patrol car before being shot and killed by security forces.

Who are the victims of the suspected terror attack?

Emergency medical responders, including Magen David Adom (MDA), arrived promptly to treat the wounded. A 17-year-old girl sustained critical head and limb injuries and was transported to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, where she remains unconscious and on a ventilator.

A 60-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman suffered serious head injuries. The man is sedated and ventilated, while the woman remains fully conscious. Additionally, an 18-year-old woman sustained moderate injuries, and several others were treated for minor wounds.

How did Israeli authorities respond to the car-ramming incident?

Israeli Police Commissioner Daniel Levy arrived at the scene shortly after the attack to oversee the investigation. Authorities suspect that Zayoud deliberately targeted civilians, treating the event as a suspected terror attack. Officials are now probing whether he had ties to militant organizations, given his illegal residency in Israel.

The Israeli government has vowed to increase security measures, particularly at transportation hubs, to prevent similar attacks. Following the incident, police urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Why did Hamas praise the car-ramming attack?

Shortly after the attack, the Hamas terrorist organization issued a statement praising Zayoud, calling the incident a “natural, heroic response” to perceived Israeli actions in Jerusalem. This endorsement has raised fears of further escalation in regional violence.

The attack comes just a week after explosives were discovered on buses in Bat Yam and Holon, near Tel Aviv, on February 20, 2025. Although no casualties resulted from those attempted bombings, the discovery heightened security concerns across the country.

How does this attack impact regional security?

The car-ramming incident at Karkur Junction highlights the ongoing security threats facing Israel, particularly from individuals operating independently or with loose affiliations to militant groups. The event has intensified concerns about lone-wolf attacks and the ability of security forces to neutralise threats before they materialize.

In response, the Israeli government has implemented additional security protocols, particularly at public gathering points. Security analysts warn that copycat attacks could follow, especially given Hamas’s public support for the assailant.

What are the next steps for Israeli security forces?

Investigations into Zayoud’s background continue, with authorities attempting to identify potential links to extremist networks. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and intelligence agencies are also monitoring threat levels and increasing preventive security operations.

The attack has also reignited debates over security policy, with officials examining whether stricter border controls or enhanced intelligence-sharing could prevent future incidents. Analysts stress that while tightening security is crucial, it must be balanced with civil liberties to avoid alienating populations at risk of radicalization.

How is the international community reacting?

Global leaders have expressed concerns about rising violence in the region. Diplomatic channels remain open, with efforts underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict. However, the recent bus explosion attempts and Hamas’s support for the attack indicate that the risk of further violence remains high.

As Israeli authorities continue their investigation, the country remains on high alert. Security experts emphasize the importance of intelligence-driven counterterrorism strategies, ensuring that public safety measures remain effective while maintaining regional stability.