Update: One of the injured has died of his injuries.
Approximately 20 hikers were injured today (Monday) following the explosion of unexploded ordnance near Yiftach, in the Ramim Ridge area of northern Israel. According to an update from Magen David Adom (MDA), one victim is in critical condition, two others are in serious condition, and 15 youths are being examined by medical teams at the scene. Numerous rescue forces were dispatched to the site, including Air Force helicopters.
MDA Director-General Eli Bin stated that the incident apparently involved a group of hikers struck by unexploded ordnance found in the area. He noted that there are victims with severe blast injuries and that large forces are operating at the scene to provide medical treatment.
Military and Security Analyst Noam Amir reported that the IDF is involved in handling the incident and that forces are sweeping the area to ensure there is no additional unexploded ordnance. He stated that authorities are investigating the possibility that the object was a rocket left over from the war that had failed to detonate. He further noted that the situation is currently under control and that at least three of the injured are being evacuated to the hospital by helicopter.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Education announced that it is working with security forces and professional agencies to provide support to the students, educational staff, and their families. “This is a most severe incident, and our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the ministry stated, calling on the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the details of the incident are being investigated.