High school students and teachers were on a hiking trip near Mitzpe Pe’er along Israel’s northern border when an unexploded ordnance or bomb detonated. Ynet reports that 20 people were initially reported injured, including one in critical condition. Sadly, it was later confirmed that a 15-year-old student had died from his injuries. Police are investigating what triggered the explosion, which Israeli authorities declared a mass-casualty incident. Fourteen ambulances and three helicopters were dispatched to the scene.
The Ma’alot-Tarshiha municipality confirmed that students and school staff had been injured. Mayor Moti Ben David and municipal teams immediately headed to the scene and began coordinating with emergency services, rescue personnel and education officials.
“At this stage, the details of the incident and the conditions of those injured are still being clarified,” the municipality said. “We are working to establish a complete picture and will provide verified updates as they become available.”
The municipality said it would not conduct media interviews at this stage and urged the public to respect the privacy of the students and their families and refrain from spreading unverified information.
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, said it received the initial report at 2:53 p.m. through its 101 emergency hotline.
Itzik Shoshan, head of MDA’s Yarden region, said emergency teams had rushed to the area in large numbers immediately after receiving the report.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the incident and coordinated with Magen David Adom to ensure the injured were evacuated to hospitals as quickly as possible. The military has also become involved in the investigation. Further details, including which class was involved and the identities of those injured, have not yet been released.
The Education Ministry is also working with security forces to provide support to the students, teachers, and their families. Of the 19 surviving victims, two are reportedly in serious condition. All 20 victims have been identified as students and teachers.
The Fellowship and our supporters pray for the recovery of the injured students and teachers and for comfort and strength for the family of the student who tragically lost his life. Our hearts are with all those affected by this devastating incident. We also pray that the ongoing investigation will provide answers.