A 19-year-old Israeli border guard was killed and at least 10 others were injured in a terror attack at a bus station in Be’er Sheva, southern Israel, on Saturday, officials said. The attack comes on the eve of the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, as the country remains on high alert.
Shira Chaya Suslik, the slain border guard, was pronounced dead at the scene. “We conducted medical checks, but her injury was critical, and unfortunately, we had to pronounce her dead on scene,” said paramedic Boris Mento.
Initial reports suggested a stabbing, but emergency services later confirmed a gunman had opened fire at the bus station. The suspected terrorist was shot dead, with authorities saying other assailants may still be at large.
“A short time ago a report was received at the police headquarters about a suspected shooting incident at the central station in Beer Sheva,” a police spokesperson said. “The terrorist was neutralised at the scene and many police forces of the southern district are at the scene.”
The exact number of injured remains unclear, with reports varying between 8 and 11. Some victims are reportedly in serious condition, while others suffered moderate to mild injuries.
This attack marks the second mass shooting in Israel within a week, following an incident in Tel Aviv on October 1 that resulted in multiple casualties.
The violence occurs as Israeli troops bolster defenses along the Gaza border, anticipating possible long-range rocket launches by Hamas on the October 7 anniversary. IDF Chief of the Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman warned, “We are on heightened alert for the coming days. At a high level of readiness with offensive actions.”
As tensions escalate, the Israeli military has strengthened forces on the Gaza border and in the Netzarim Corridor area. The IDF stated, “The Southern Command is prepared in defense and attack for several scenarios during the coming month, along with allowing memorial events in the [Gaza border communities] to be carried out safely.”
