An attack took place in the city of El’ad in central Israel on Thursday evening, killing 3 people and injuring 3 in critical condition.
Two terrorists attacked passers-by with automatic weapons and axes while shouting “Allah Wakbar” on a main street in the city, before fleeing in their car. According to initial information, they should come from Jenin in the West Bank and be known to the secret services.
Residents were asked not to leave their homes and to close the windows. Numerous security forces are stationed in the area in search of the terrorists.
One of the victims, a 40-year-old man, was found without a pulse with an open wound on Ibn Gvirol Street, while the other two victims died of their wounds shortly after the attack, rescuers say.
Paramedics arrived at the scene to administer first aid to the injured before they were taken to the hospital.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem welcomed the attack but took no responsibility for it.
“Heroes have acted in the wake of Palestinian anger at the ongoing aggression against al-Aqsa by the occupation, its institutions and settlers. The Palestinian people protect their holy sites, it is impossible for al-Aqsa to be harmed without the occupation being punished,” he said.
Muhammad Hamid, a senior Islamic Jihad official, also hailed the attack, calling it “a feat and a victory for Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
“There was a very heavy attack in El’ad tonight. I offer my condolences to the families of those killed and pray for the recovery of those injured,” former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu tweeted.
Since March 22, Israel has been plagued by a wave of Islamist terror that has claimed the lives of 18 people so far.