In a devastating terror attack in the central Israeli city of Holon on Sunday morning, two Israeli civilians were killed and two others were injured. The attacker, identified as a Palestinian from the West Bank, carried out a coordinated stabbing spree across three different locations before being shot dead by a police officer.
The incident began at approximately 9:00 am when the assailant started his attack near the entrance to a park on Moshe Dayan Street. The first victims were Rina Daniv, 66, and her husband, Shimon Daniv, 68. Rina was fatally stabbed and pronounced dead at the scene by medics from the Magen David Adom (MDA) ambulance service. Shimon sustained serious injuries and was quickly transported to the nearby Wolfson Medical Center.
The attacker then moved to a nearby bus stop adjacent to a gas station, where he attacked and critically wounded a man in his 70s. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the man succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. His identity has not been disclosed at this time.
The final victim, 26-year-old Yakov Libertov, was stabbed at a bus parking lot on Dan Shomron Street. Libertov, who was out walking his dog, managed to escape after being stabbed in the shoulder and stomach. Despite his injuries, he was able to call emergency services and seek help at a nearby bus depot. He was taken to Wolfson Medical Center, where he was treated for moderate injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the attack unfolded. Ronit Sasson, Shimon Daniv's sister, recounted the morning’s events with a heavy heart. "My brother and his wife were on their usual morning walk when they were attacked. Rina was a dedicated volunteer and well-known in Holon. Her loss is a significant blow to the community," she said. Ronit added that Shimon, though seriously injured, was stable and no longer in life-threatening danger.
Yakov Libertov, speaking from his hospital bed, provided a harrowing account of his encounter with the attacker. He noted that the assailant had an angry expression but did not appear immediately threatening. "I saw him walking slowly towards me, and then he suddenly charged. He was silent, not shouting anything, and stabbed me without warning. I managed to fend him off and ran to the bus depot because I knew there would be people who could help."
Libertov praised the quick response of the bus drivers who assisted him and took over his call to the police, ensuring that officers were informed of the ongoing attack.
The Assailant and Police Response
The attacker, identified by security sources as 34-year-old Amar Odeh from the West Bank city of Salfit, did not have an entry permit to Israel and had no prior security-related offenses. Police sources revealed that Odeh carried out the attack with alarming precision, moving swiftly between locations and targeting multiple victims within a short timeframe.
A police officer who arrived at the scene recounted the intense confrontation with the assailant. "I saw the suspect from my patrol car and initially thought he was a mugger. When he saw me, he started running, but not very fast. I told him to stop, but then he turned towards me with a knife in his hand," the officer said. "I pulled out my pistol and repeatedly told him to stop. He shouted something in Arabic and hid behind a garbage bin. I ran towards him and shot him."
Odeh was transported to Shamir Medical Center in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine if Odeh acted alone or if there were any accomplices involved.
Rising Tensions and Security Concerns
This attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories. Since October 7, when terrorists breached the Gaza border in a Hamas-led attack, Israel has witnessed a surge in violent incidents. The October attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 hostages, leading to a severe escalation in hostilities.
In the weeks following the October incident, 25 Israelis, including security personnel, have been killed in various terror attacks in Israel and the West Bank. Additionally, five members of the Israeli security forces have lost their lives in clashes with terror operatives in the West Bank.
The Holon stabbing underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the need for robust security measures. Israeli authorities have called for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to prevent further attacks. The government has also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and addressing the root causes of violence in the region.
Community Response and Moving Forward
The community of Holon is in mourning following the attack. Vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor the victims, and local leaders have called for unity and resilience in the face of such tragedies. The mayor of Holon, Moti Sasson, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed to support them through this difficult time.
"Today, we stand together in grief and solidarity. We must remain strong and support one another as we heal from this senseless act of violence. Our community will not be defined by this tragedy, but by our response to it," Sasson stated.
As Israel grapples with the ongoing threat of terrorism, the resilience and unity of its citizens remain a beacon of hope. The tragic events in Holon serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, but also of the strength and determination of the Israeli people.