An investigation into what caused the stampede resulting in the deaths of at least 45 Israeli worshipers at a religious festival in Mount Meron early Friday is underway. Funerals have already begun for the victims of one of the country’s deadliest civilian disasters.  

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described “heart breaking scenes” in which people, including children, were crushed to death.  

Netanyahu visited the site hours after the stampede.  

U.S. President Joe Biden offered condolences Friday to those affected by the Mount Meron tragedy.  “I have instructed my team to offer our assistance to the government and people of Israel as they respond to the disaster and care for the wounded,” Biden said in a statement.  

Many of the victims have not yet been identified Friday. 

Sunday has been declared a national day of mourning in Israel.

Witness reports paint a picture of pulsing crowds in the tens of thousands, a slippery floor from water sprayed to cool the masses, and police officers allegedly blocking an already stressed exit at the end of a narrow walkway.

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