In a devastating attack on Monday morning, a civilian bus transporting Israeli passengers was targeted by terrorists near the Palestinian village of Al-Funduq, close to Kedumim in northern Samaria. According to reports from Magen David Adom (MDA), three individuals lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries, with varying degrees of severity.

The shooting occurred on Highway 55, where initial investigations indicate that gunmen fired from a white vehicle at the bus and other cars, prompting a swift response from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The deceased included two women in their 60s and a man in his 40s. Among the injured individuals, a bus driver aged 63 is reported to be in serious condition, while two women, aged approximately 60 and 70, are in moderate condition. The other passengers have minor injuries.

After the attack, MDA paramedics quickly evacuated the injured to Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba and Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. In the wake of this alarming incident, the IDF has intensified efforts to locate and capture the assailants, setting up roadblocks and encircling surrounding towns as part of a large-scale search operation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the victims' families, vowing that law enforcement would bring the perpetrators to justice. “We will find the abhorrent murderers and settle accounts with them… No one will get away,” he stated, underscoring his government's commitment to combating terror.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir did not hold back, asserting that attacks like this would reinforce Israel’s military operations in Judea and Samaria. He insisted that terror emanating from Gaza, Judea, and Samaria must be confronted decisively.

In a sharp rebuttal, Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the current government’s approach to the ongoing violence. "You are responsible for this situation. This isn't something that happened overnight," he tweeted, holding the government accountable for its failure to prevent such tragic attacks.

Leaders in the Samaria Regional Council have called for a reassessment of Israel's strategy towards the Palestinian Authority, advocating for stronger actions against those who they believe support terrorism.

As part of ongoing security initiatives, Israeli authorities plan to construct a bypass road around Al-Funduq, aimed at increasing safety and easing transit for hundreds of thousands of commuters weekly. This project is seen as a significant move to combat terrorism and improve the quality of life for residents in the area.

The recent attack is a grim reminder of the persistent conflict and insecurity faced by individuals in the region, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on security measures to protect civilians.