Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

At least six people killed in suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police

Two ‘terrorists’ shot dead in Israeli city, says force, as Iran launched barrage of missiles at Israel

Tara Cobham
Wednesday 02 October 2024 04:45 EDT
Comments
Iran launches barrage of missiles on Israel as explosions heard across Tel Aviv

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At least six people have been killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli police have said.

The force said two “terrorists” started the killing spree on the Israeli city’s light railway and continued on foot before being shot dead by civilians and officers in the neighbourhood of Jaffa on Tuesday.

The news broke in local media reports at around 5.15pm (BST), just moments before air raid sirens began sounding across Israel as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the country.

Israeli policemen take position after the shooting attack in Jaffa
Israeli policemen take position after the shooting attack in Jaffa (AP)

There has been no claim of responsibility for the shooting attack, but Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich alleged they were Palestinians from the West Bank city of Hebron.

TV footage showed the gunmen getting off at the light rail station and opening fire.

Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report of people injured by gunfire.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA said.

Israeli medical services and security personnel on a motorbike at the site of the shooting incident
Israeli medical services and security personnel on a motorbike at the site of the shooting incident (EPA)

Mere minutes later, Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the killing of the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

Israel said more than 180 missiles were launched into Israel from Iran and Israeli air defences were activated to intercept them. US Navy warships helped intercept some projectiles fired by Iran at Israel, a US defence official told Reuters.

Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon on Tuesday
Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon on Tuesday (Reuters)

Israel's military later sounded the all-clear and said residents were free to leave their shelters.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous". Tehran targeted three Israeli military bases in its attack, Iran's state news agency said.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the attack would have consequences, as did Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon, with the country vowing a “painful response” against its enemy.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in