Medical officials have confirmed that a stabbing attack in the Israeli city of Holon, near Tel Aviv, resulted in the deaths of a 66-year-old woman and an approximately 80-year-old man. Additionally, two others were injured in the incident.
The attacker, identified as a West Bank resident, was neutralized at the scene and later pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. One of the injured, a 26-year-old man, recounted being stabbed in the shoulder while walking his dog. He managed to escape to a bus terminal parking lot before realizing he was not the only victim.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured during a cabinet meeting. He commended the police officers for eliminating the attacker and vowed to hold all accomplices accountable.
Minister for State Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the attack site and urged Israelis to arm themselves, emphasizing the importance of self-defense in the face of such incidents. Palestinian militant groups, including the Popular Resistance Committees and the Al-Qassam Brigades, celebrated the attack, with Hamas describing the perpetrator as a 'martyred hero.'
The attack comes amidst heightened tensions following the recent assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh, raising concerns of a potential escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. While attacks on Israeli civilians are not uncommon, they typically occur in areas like Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Notably, last July saw a similar incident where eight people were injured in a car-ramming and stabbing attack near a Tel Aviv shopping center, with Hamas claiming responsibility.
