The terrorist attack against a tourist bus carrying S. Koreans from Egypt to Israel on Sunday, 16 Adar I 5774 resulted in heightened alert in Israel among security agencies. The bus was targeted about 250 meters from the border crossing, which was shut down in both directions shortly following the blast. A number of Israelis who were close by on the Egyptian side were permitted to run back over the crossing to safety in Israel. Tens of Israelis were still reportedly still stranded in Egypt on Monday morning 17 Adar I.

Israel Police and the IDF responded immediately following the blast, with the navy ordered to move to alert and increase manpower on vessels patrolling in that area. The IDF deployed soldiers along the border and Route 12, not knowing exactly who or what was behind the blasts.

Both Magen David Adom and Ichud Hatzalah sent out messages declaring a MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) as ambulances and ambucycles began heading to the border. Yosef-Tal Hospital in Eilat was placed on high alert, expecting to receive some of the casualties, but Egyptian officials refused repeated Israeli aid offers. There were conflicting reports of wounded transported to Eilat but after ambulances stood by for four hours, the Egyptians preferred not to avail themselves of the Israeli assistance and medical expertise despite the fact the nearest Egyptian hospital was about 100km (60 miles) from the border crossing. The wounded were transported to Egyptian hospitals in Dahav and Sharm el-Sheikh.

In Cairo the media reported Egyptian officials refused to permit Israeli ambulances to enter the country.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)