Deadly explosion in Tel Aviv
- A bomb blast occurred near a synagogue in Tel Aviv.
- Hamas claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.
- Only the attacker was killed in the explosion, which was deemed a suicide attack.
Hamas has claimed responsibility for a bombing in Tel Aviv on August 18, which resulted in the death of the suspected bomber and injuries to a bystander. The explosion occurred near a synagogue, and police confirmed it was a terrorist attack. Hamas described the incident as a “martyrdom operation” conducted in collaboration with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, asserting that such attacks would persist in retaliation for Israeli actions against Palestinians. The explosive device, weighing less than 10 kilograms, was reportedly aimed at the Shimon Bar Yoachai synagogue, which was crowded during evening prayers. Eyewitnesses initially mistook the blast for a missile strike, and police received numerous emergency calls reporting the explosion. The identity of the deceased bomber, believed to be in his 50s, remains unconfirmed, while a 33-year-old passerby was hospitalized with shrapnel injuries. This incident marks a significant escalation in violence, as suicide bombings have largely diminished since 2016, with groups like Hamas shifting tactics to shootings and rocket attacks. Security experts have noted a recent uptick in terrorist activities in the West Bank, alongside thwarted suicide plots. The bombing coincided with U.S. Secretary of State's visit to Tel Aviv, aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza. In a separate incident, an Israeli security guard was killed by a Palestinian assailant in the West Bank, further highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. Israeli authorities are actively pursuing the attacker, who remains at large.