Two gunmen opened fire on civilians in Tel Aviv after disembarking from a tram, resulting in at least six fatalities and nine injuries. Israeli police have categorized the assault as a terrorist attack, although no militant groups have yet claimed responsibility for the violence.
Details of the Attack
According to eyewitness accounts and police reports, the two assailants exited a tram and began shooting indiscriminately at passers-by. Security forces, along with an armed civilian, quickly intervened, fatally shooting both gunmen. The incident unfolded amidst heightened tensions in Israel, as the nation has been on alert due to ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.
Footage broadcast by Israeli television captured the moment the gunmen opened fire at the crowded platform. Emergency medical services, including MDA ambulances, rushed to the scene to provide immediate care to the injured. Several victims were treated for severe wounds, with some reportedly unconscious.
Escalating Tensions and Reactions
Just minutes after the attack in Tel Aviv, air raid sirens rang out across the city, signaling incoming missiles from Iran. This barrage was viewed as retaliation for Israel’s recent military actions against members of the so-called Axis of Resistance, an alliance that includes Hezbollah and other militant groups.
In response to the attack, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that the attackers were from the West Bank city of Hebron. He announced his intention to demand that the government deport the families of the suspects to Gaza and demolish their homes.
Broader Context of Violence
This violent episode marks a further escalation in the conflict that has gripped the region for nearly a year. The ongoing war in Gaza began last October when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In retaliation, Israeli military operations have claimed more than 41,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by Palestinian health authorities.
The situation has been compounded by Israel’s military engagement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has included airstrikes aimed at stopping rocket fire into northern Israel. Notably, last week, Israeli forces killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut.
