A failed terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday, August 18, 2024, has heightened tensions in the region. A powerful explosive device detonated in the southern part of the city, killing the suspected attacker and lightly injuring a bystander. The Israeli police and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency, confirmed that the explosion was ‘a terrorist attack involving a powerful explosive device’.Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad have jointly claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement, the military wings of both organizations, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades, threatened to carry out more attacks, stating that ‘martyrdom operations inside the occupied territory (Israel) will return to the forefront as long as the occupier’s (Israeli) massacres, forced civilian transfers, and assassination policies continue’.The incident occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to press for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This attack has raised concerns about a potential escalation in the region, particularly in light of recent events such as the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.Israeli authorities have raised the alert level throughout central Israel. Tel Aviv Police Chief Peretz Amar stated that the deceased was ‘not an ordinary person’ and was carrying an explosive device. Some reports suggest that the attacker may have been targeting a nearby synagogue.This failed attack comes amid the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7 last year. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas’s initial attack on Israeli communities led to numerous deaths and hostages. The incident underscores the volatile situation in the region and the challenges facing efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire.
Key points
- A failed terrorist attack in Tel Aviv killed the suspected attacker and injured a bystander.
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad jointly claimed responsibility, threatening more attacks.
- The incident occurred as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived to push for a ceasefire.
- Israeli authorities have raised the alert level and increased security measures.
Contradictions👾Some sources reported that the bystander was lightly injured, while others described the injuries as moderate.
👾There are varying reports on the intended target, with some suggesting it may have been a nearby synagogue, while others do not specify a particular target.