Four killed in Tel Aviv shooting

Four people were killed on Wednesday evening in a shooting attack on an open-air market close to the Israeli ministry of defence and the main army headquarters.
2 min read
08 June, 2016
Police said two attackers have been captured [AFP]

Four poeple were killed and five others injured on Wednesday evening in a shooting attack on an open-air market in the heart of Tel Aviv, police said.

Israeli police confirmed that four people were killed in the attack on the Sarona Market, close to the Israeli defence ministry and the main army headquarters. The death toll is likely to increase.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers were dressed as ultra-orthodox Jews, however their identities remain unclear.

Police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld on Twitter said that two attackers were captured, and no further attackers remained in the area.

One of the attackers was arrested while the other was wounded by gunfire and undergoing surgery, according to police.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of what he called the "cold-blooded terrorist murder" after returning from a trip to Moscow and conferred with senior colleagues, including newly installed defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahu's office said in a statement early Thursday.

Israeli authorities said the two attackers were cousins from the Hebron area in the occupied West Bank.

The market and complex of bars and restaurants is located across the street from Israel's defence ministry and main army headquarters.

An upsurge in violence since October has killed 205 Palestinians and 28 Israelis.

Israel blames the attacks on Palestinian incitement while Palestinians lay the blame on frustration stemming from nearly five decades of Israeli military occupation.