Car Blast Kills Four in Israeli City

Four people were killed and eight others injured when a vehicle exploded in the central Israeli city of Ramla on Thursday, in what authorities believe was a gang-related attack. Medics and police confirmed the fatalities and the investigation into the incident.

Liad Aviel, spokesperson for the Asaf Harofe Medical Center in central Israel, announced the deaths of the four individuals involved in the Ramla explosion. Six other victims are currently receiving treatment at the facility.

Israeli police have launched an investigation, suspecting the explosion was tied to a feud between crime families within the Arab community. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the scene, emphasizing that the police would “continue to fight this crime using all available resources.” However, he also stressed that dealing with crime in the Arab community requires “more comprehensive tools and broader authority.”

Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s opposition, criticized Ben Gvir’s handling of the situation. “There have been incompetent ministers before him, but he’s the first to turn failure into a profession,” Lapid remarked on social media platform X.

The explosion occurred while the vehicle was parked on a sidewalk near a shop and residential building, according to Israel’s emergency medical service Magen David Adom. Benny Cohen, a rescue worker, stated that several passersby were injured by the blast and flying debris.

“The burning car was parked right at the entrance of the store, trapping people inside,” Cohen added. Emergency responders worked to move the injured away from the fire and transported several unconscious victims to hospitals in critical condition.

Liat Cohen, another paramedic at the scene, reported that the injured included a one-month-old baby and a 50-year-old woman, both suffering from smoke inhalation. They were also taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Ramla resident Judith Touati, whose children had been in the area just an hour before the explosion, expressed her shock. “They say it’s a personal score-settling, but for an explosion to happen downtown in broad daylight in such a crowded area—it’s madness,” she told AFP.

Ramla, located east of Tel Aviv, is a mixed city with both Jewish and Arab residents. Arab communities in Israel have long raised concerns about the violence linked to organized crime, calling for more government action. Advocacy groups like the Mossawa Center, which represents Arabs in Israel, have urged for greater attention to this issue.