Hamas praised the murder of four Israelis who were killed by two Arab terrorists from the Hebron area on Wednesday night at a popular eatery in Tel Aviv.
A statement by the Gaza-based terror group on Thursday said that the two gunmen were members of the organization.
At least four people were killed in the terror attack Wednesday night at the Sarona Market shopping complex, and another 16 were wounded, including three in serious condition. The Sarona complex is across the street from Israel's military headquarters and is often filled with tourists and young soldiers in uniform.
"Two terrorists opened fire at civilians," Tel Aviv district police commander Moshe Edri said, adding that one of the detained attackers was being treated for a gunfire wound. Police had initially said there might be a third attacker but later ruled that out after extensive searches and examining security camera footage.
The two suspects were named in Palestinian media reports as Muhammad and Khalid Muhamra. One of the men was shot by a security guard and seriously injured, the second was arrested by police and taken in for questioning.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a “decisive” response to the attacl and said Israel’s security services would track down any who may have aided the shooters. “This was a difficult event, a cold-blooded murder by criminal terrorists,” the prime minister said in a statement. “I want first of all to send condolences to the families whose worlds were decimated at this moment, and of course wishes for the swift healing of the wounded.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement he was shocked that Hamas leaders "chose to welcome this attack."
