BEERSHEBA, ISRAEL – A shooting at Beersheba’s central bus station resulted in the death of a policewoman and injuries to ten other individuals in what has been described by authorities as a suspected terrorist attack. The victim, Sergeant Shira Chaya Suslik of Israel’s border police, was identified by local officials.
Emergency medical responders treated those injured at the scene, reporting that several individuals sustained gunshot wounds. Among them, one person is in “moderate to serious” condition, with four others listed as being in “moderate condition.” All injured have been transported to Soroka Hospital for further care.
The assailant was swiftly neutralized by security forces within seconds of the attack, police confirmed in their preliminary findings.
The attack has sparked strong reactions from Israeli officials. Transport Minister Miri Regev advocated for drastic measures, suggesting deportation for the families of identified terrorists as a form of deterrence. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also condemned the attack, urging firm actions against terrorism.
This event took place soon after another violent incident in Tel Aviv, where seven people lost their lives in a combined shooting and stabbing assault.
As the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on southern Israel approaches, security levels have been heightened across the country.