An Israeli man was tragically killed in a stabbing incident in Haifa, which Israeli authorities suspect to be a terror attack.
This attack occurred just a day after the expiration of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, raising tensions in the region. Israel made the decision to halt all aid entry into Gaza in an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal to extend the ceasefire.
This stabbing is part of a series of recent attacks in Israel, including a car-ramming incident that left a 17-year-old critically injured at a bus stop and bus explosions in Tel Aviv-area parking lots.
The victim of the Haifa attack was identified as Hassan Karim Dhamshe, a 70-year-old from Kafr Kanna, while the suspect was named as Druze Israeli Jethro Shahin. The attacker was seen stabbing the victim multiple times in the back before being shot by a security guard.
Reports also indicate that a 15-year-old was wounded in the attack.
Although terror attacks by Druze community members in Israel are rare, Druze leaders and the suspect’s relatives have contested the notion that the stabbing was an act of terror, attributing it to mental illness instead.
The recent spate of attacks has heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly as they disagree on the extension of the ceasefire. While Israel supports a U.S. proposal for an extended ceasefire through Ramadan and Passover, Hamas has rejected the plan, insisting on the initial agreement.
Keep Jewish Stories in Focus.
JTA has been documenting Jewish history for over a century. Support our independent, award-winning reporting to keep our journalism strong.