Gaza-based Hamas militant group on Wednesday (Oct 2) claimed responsibility for a terrorist attack in Tel Aviv yesterday that resulted in the killing of at least seven people. The stabbing and shooting attack targeted Tel Aviv light rail station in Jaffa and was carried out by two armed people.
Hamas said in a statement, “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.”
Israeli police said on October 1 that one of the two assailants, who were from the West Bank, was shot dead after the attack and the other was seriously wounded.
As per European Council of Foreign Relations, Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades was founded in 1991 as the military wing of Hamas. The group has fought several wars against Israel and is best equipped of all Hamas-affiliated militants. Over the past years, Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades have significantly enhanced their missile and rocket capacity.
They have incorporated drones and underwater commandos as well. It even has its own internal security force (al-Majd).
Since October 7, when Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel, Palestinian militants have executed multiple attacks against Israelis, igniting conflict in the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli officials, at least 26 Israelis, including security personnel, have lost their lives in these militant actions during this timeframe.
(With inputs from agencies)
