A stabbing attack in Tel Aviv has resulted in the deaths of two Israelis and the wounding of two others today.
In an official statement, Hamas said it “welcomes” the “heroic operation in Tel Aviv that killed two people”. It added: “We call on the Palestinians to continue such activities”.
The terror attack took place in the Panorama office building at an entrance to a room used for prayer services next to the parking lot as afternoon prayers were taking place, according to reports from the scene.
One victim was declared dead at the scene and a second died after being rushed to a hospital with serious injuries.
Two more people suffered light and moderate injuries, according to officials. The identity of the victims was not immediately released.
The Palestinian attacker was caught by passers by and arrested by police at the scene. He was taken to a hospital with light injuries. Police identified him as Raid Halil bin Mahmoud, a 36-year-old father of five from the West Bank village of Dura, near Hebron, and said he did not have a criminal record.
He possessed a permit to work in Israel and was employed by a restaurant in Tel Aviv, police said.
