Three people wounded in terror attack in central Tel Aviv

Three people were wounded in a terror attack in central Tel Aviv on Thursday night. 

Video footage showed a man shooting at civilians in Dizengoff street at the corner of Ben Gurion Boulevard in central Tel Aviv.

Police said the terrorist was killed on the spot. KAN public broadcaster identified him as Mu’ataz Khawaja, a Hamas member from the Palestinian village of Ni’lin in the West Bank. Khawaja reportedly served prison time twice in Israel.

Magen David Adom said it treated three victims in their 20s who were rushed to Ichilov Hospital. One person is unconscious and in critical condition, the second is in serious condition and the third victim in moderate condition.

“I was at home when I heard a number of gunshots, and immediately headed downstairs. There was a large commotion and I saw people running in all directions. A civilian who was fully conscious was bleeding from an injury to his hand, and I immediately provided treatment to stop the bleeding. Moments later large numbers of MDA teams arrived on scene and he was conveyed by ambulance in stable condition,” said MDA staff, Lee Ben Ari, who lives on Dizengoff and heard the shooting.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued statements shortly after the attack, saying: “There has been another terror attack in the heart of Tel Aviv tonight. We send, first of all, our hopes and our wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded, and we strengthen the security forces and the police who are fighting terrorists this night and every night.”

“We will continue to build our nation and deepen our roots, and to build our common future as brothers and sisters,” Netanyahu added.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai asked protesters to go home and stay inside until further notice.