At Least 12 Hikers Wounded in Unexploded Ordnance Blast on Ramim Ridge
At least 12 hikers were wounded, including several severely, in an unexploded ordnance blast on the Ramim Ridge in northern Israel. IDF and emergency forces deployed to the scene.
At least 12 hikers were wounded on Monday in an unexploded ordnance blast on the Ramim Ridge in northern Israel, with about eight sustaining severe to moderate injuries, including one in critical condition. Emergency services and IDF forces rushed to the scene near the Palmach Trail, deploying evacuation helicopters as the military declared a mass-casualty incident.
The explosion occurred near Mitzpe Peer, roughly 50 to 100 meters from the border, close to an army outpost manned by combat engineering troops throughout the ongoing war. Hezbollah had previously concentrated heavy fire on the area, and authorities assess that a fired rocket or shell failed to detonate and remained hidden in the dense vegetation until a hiker triggered it.
MDA Director-General Eli Bin told Channel 12 news that the casualties include children with very severe injuries, noting that rescue teams and military helicopters were operating at the site. Northern District police and sappers also responded to the scene to investigate the source of the blast following initial reports near Neot Mordechai.