Staff Reports
A deadly terror attack has rocked Jerusalem, with Palestinian gunmen from the West Bank opening fire at a crowded bus stop, leaving six Israelis dead and over a dozen injured. The assault, executed during the morning rush hour, marks the deadliest in the city since 2024 and underscores the unrelenting threat posed by radical elements determined to strike fear into everyday life in Israel. This kind of violence is a grim reminder that peace and stability can never be taken for granted; Israel remains in the crosshairs of jihadist organizations that exploit chaos and prey on the vulnerable.
Israeli defense forces and local citizens responded with courage, quickly neutralizing the attackers and apprehending suspects in the immediate aftermath. While Hamas stopped short of claiming responsibility, their leadership praised the assault as a “natural response” to the supposed occupation, again revealing the group’s preference for bloodshed and destruction rather than reconciliation and dialogue. Such actions only serve to fuel the fires of extremism and embolden others sympathetic to violent resistance, further delaying any progress toward a sustainable peace.
President Trump seized the moment to stress both his commitment to peace in the region and the necessity of holding terrorist factions like Hamas accountable. He reiterated his determination to secure the release of Israeli hostages and proposed a broad Gaza deal, warning Hamas that there would be severe consequences if they did not comply with international demands for peace. Despite criticism from detractors who champion endless negotiations, Trump’s no-nonsense stance highlights the futility of engaging with groups that have no intention of abandoning their campaign of terror.
The real impediment to lasting peace in the Middle East is the persistent refusal of groups like Hamas to embrace genuine dialogue. Instead, they leverage violence as political capital, deflect responsibility for civilian casualties, and use propaganda to gain popularity among the region’s most radicalized youth. This is exacerbated by international actors—some openly considering recognition of Palestinian statehood—who enable unrest by failing to denounce terrorism unequivocally. Israel’s resolve in dismantling these terror cells is not just a matter of national security, but a defense of Western values and civilized society.
Elsewhere, Russia’s latest missile strikes on Ukraine show a parallel disregard for peace and civility, with authoritarian leaders displaying total contempt for diplomatic solutions. The world’s adversaries—from Gaza to Moscow—are emboldened by confusion and weakness from global institutions. Leaders in the mold of President Trump, who call out evil directly and promise real consequences for those who threaten freedom, represent the best chance for real change. Until terror and tyranny are addressed with strength and clarity, innocent people will remain at risk, and the hopes for peace will remain distant.
