Stab attack near Tel Aviv Israel left at least three people dead and four people Wounded late on Thursday, with The attacker fled the scene.
Police said they suspect he is a Palestinian activist attack And launched a large-scale search for attacker up Roadblocks and dispatch a helicopter. The challenge is coming on Israel Independence Day, was latest in Series of deadly Attacks in Israeli cities in recent weeks.
identity of The attacker was not yet known.
Israeli-Palestinian tensions escalated in recent weeks, with Attacks in Israel, military operations in The occupied West Bank and violence at the most sensitive holy site in Jerusalem. Site, home Al-Aqsa Mosque, the scene was of new Troubles earlier Thursday.
Doctor Alon Rezkan with Israel’s Magen David Adom described the rescue service as “extremely difficult.” callWhen he arrived at the scene of the accident in Elad, an ultra-Orthodox town near Tel Aviv. He said he met three dead people at various locations and four others who Two were seriously injured.
Police said they are still searching for the attacker. call on The public to avoid The area urging people To report a suspicious vehicles or people for them.
Israel celebrated its independence day on Thursday, festive national holiday in Which people Barbecue parties and attendees are usually held air shows.
In Washington, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said: attack It seems ” latest in What was the series of The despicable terrorist attacks that shook Israel.”
“Our commitment to our Israeli partners, to Israel’s security, is rigorous,” he said. added.
Palestinian group Hamas which rules The Gaza Strip is linked attack of violence at the holy site in Jerusalem.
“Storm of Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said that the Al-Aqsa Mosque cannot go unpunished, adding that the incident in Tel Aviv was “a practical translation” of What did the resistance warn? against. “
The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is the third holiest site in Islam and it built on Hilltop is the holiest site for Jewish, who It is referred to as the Temple Mount. It lies in the emotional heart of The conflict, Palestinians and Israeli police clashed there repeatedly in recent weeks.
Early Thursday, the occupation police entered the site clear Deportation of Palestinian demonstrators after Jewish visits had stopped for Muslim holidays resumed.
With the resumption of visits, dozens of Palestinians gathered, chanting “God is great.” Quarrels broke out out When the police went to arrest one of With them. Police fired rubber-coated bullets on The sprawling plaza where some Palestinians took shelter inside the mosque itself. The police were later seen just Inside the fortified mosque entrance.
Police said they responded to dozens of people who They were chanting incitement and throwing stones, and that one A police officer was slightly injured. The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service said that two Palestinians were taken to hospital after they were injured with batons.
unlike in In previous confrontations, Palestinian witnesses said there were no rocks.throwing start. Some of these who He started to take cover inside the mosque throwing Stones and other things when the police entered building. Witnesses spoke on condition of Anonymity due to of security concerns.
Under the informal arrangement known as the status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the site but not pray there. In recent years, they visited in Constantly growing numbers with A police escort and many of them prayed discreetly, infuriating the Palestinians as well as neighboring Jordan, who is the guardian. of Site. Palestinians have always feared Israel plans to finally take over The site or its division.
Israel says It is committed to maintaining the status quo and accuses Hamas of Incitement to recent violence.
Israel and Hamas fought an 11-day war year Before, feed it in A large portion of similar disorders in Jerusalem.
