Hamas and Islamic Jihad Threaten More Attacks in Tel Aviv
- Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
- The groups warn of further attacks in retaliation for the alleged assassination of a Hamas leader.
- Israel faces a heightened threat of violence from Palestinian militant organizations.
On Sunday evening, August 18, a powerful explosion rocked Lehi Street in Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of a middle-aged man carrying a backpack and injuring a bystander. The incident occurred against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following a series of targeted assassinations by Israel, including that of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Israeli authorities classified the explosion as a "terror attack," with Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad later claiming responsibility for the bombing, which they described as a suicide attack. The assailant's intended target appears to have been a nearby synagogue, where many civilians were present. However, the bomb detonated prematurely in a less populated area, averting a potential disaster. Israeli police have increased their presence in the city, although details about the bomber remain scarce, as he had no known criminal background. The incident has drawn comparisons to the wave of suicide attacks during the Second Intifada, raising concerns about a resurgence of such violence. The bombing coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Tel Aviv, where he was advocating for a ceasefire amid fears of escalating conflict involving Iran and its allies. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Hamas leaders rejected the proposed ceasefire, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining negotiations. The situation remains tense as both sides brace for potential further violence in the region.