 "Israeli police and emergency workers stand by a body after a shooting attack in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish area of Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. AP")
Palestinian militant organisation Hamas on Wednesday (October 2) claimed responsibility for an attack in Tel Aviv that led to deaths of seven individuals, AFP reported.
The knife and shooting incident, which began when one of the two attackers opened fire on people at the light rail station in the Jaffa area on Tuesday (October 1), also resulted in several people getting injured. The shooting had occurred shortly before an Iranian missile attack against Israel began."
On Tuesday, police said the two assailants, who were in their 20s, were residents of the occupied West Bank. One of the attackers was shot dead and the other was seriously wounded, the police said.
Hamas’ Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades behind attack
“The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades takes responsibility for the heroic Jaffa operation carried out by the fighters from the (occupied West Bank) city of Hebron,” Hamas said in a statement.
According to European Council of Foreign Relations, Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades was founded in 1991 as the military wing of Hamas. It has fought several wars against Israel as the largest and best-equipped group operating in Gaza.
In the past few years, excluding the time since the most recent war broke out, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades have significantly enhanced their missile and rocket capacity.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThey have reportedly experimented with drones and underwater commandos as well. The Brigades also has its own internal security force (al-Majd).
Growing violence in Israel, Palestine
Palestinian militants have carried out several attacks on Israelis since October 7, when the Islamist group Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking war in the Gaza Strip.
At least 26 Israelis, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Palestinian militant attacks during this period, Israeli officials say.
Violence in the West Bank has also surged alongside the war in Gaza.
At least 682 people have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since October 7, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry.
With inputs from agencies