Yaakov Pinto, a 25-year-old newlywed from Melilla, died in the attack perpetrated by two Palestinians at a bus stop at a time of high diplomatic tension between Israel and Spain.
A shooting in Jerusalem leaves at least six dead and 15 wounded.
On Monday, at least six people were killed and a dozen injured in a shooting attack at a bus stop on Yigal Yadin Street, at the Ramot crossroads, north of the city. Among the dead was Yaakov Pinto, a 25-year-old Spaniard originally from Melilla and residing in Israel, who had recently married, according to consular and family sources. The deceased was part of the Jewish community in Melilla and had gone there a few years ago to study at a Talmudic university.
According to the Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA), four people died at the scene of the attack: three men in their 30s, including Pinto, and a man in his 50s. A woman of a similar age died after being taken to hospital in critical condition, and another victim later died at another medical facility. In total, 12 people were evacuated to different hospitals: seven in serious condition from gunshot wounds, two in moderate condition, and three with minor injuries caused by glass fragments.
The attack occurred a few minutes after 10:00 a.m. local time, when two gunmen opened fire indiscriminately at people waiting for a bus. According to Israeli police, the attackers were Palestinian citizens and were killed on the spot by a soldier and several armed civilians who were present in the area.
Israeli authorities immediately strengthened security measures in the city, while emergency services worked to treat the injured and transport them to hospitals.
Tensions between Spain and Israel
The attack coincided with a time of maximum tension in diplomatic relations between Israel and Spain. Hours after confirming the nationality of one of the victims, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar lashed out at the Spanish government, which he described as anti-Semitic and corrupt. These statements came after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a package of nine measures against what he defined as the genocide in Gaza, including a decree-law banning the purchase and sale of arms to Israel.
In response, the Executive of Benjamin Netanyahu has banned the entry into the country of the Vice President and Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, and the Minister of Youth and Children, Sira Rego, a measure that further aggravates the bilateral crisis.
The death of Yaakov Pinto has caused a profound stir both in his hometown of Melilla and in the Hispanic community living in Israel. His family and friends describe him as a cheerful young man, excited about his new marriage and deeply connected to his faith. The Ramot attack reflects an escalation of violence that once again puts the fragile security situation in the region at the forefront.
