4 wounded, 1 killed in stabbing attack in Haifa Bay Central Bus Station, terrorist killed

A stabbing attack at the HaMifratz Central Bus Station in Haifa killed one and injured four earlier today.

Four people were reported injured in the initial Magen David Adom (MDA) report, two of them in critical condition, two in serious condition. According to Israel Police, the terrorist was killed.

A spokesperson for United Hatzalah (an emergency medical service) in the Northern District said, "The medical teams of United Hatzalah are currently providing first aid at the scene of an unusual incident on Histadrut Boulevard in Haifa."

A police spokesperson said that Police Commissioner Lt.-Gen. Danny Levy is currently on his way to the scene of the incident in Haifa, "This is a stabbing attack, police forces are at the scene, a terrorist was neutralized and killed."

MDA spokesperson Zaki Heller later updated the number of people wounded to five: one in critical condition, three seriously wounded, and one moderately wounded. Heller said that MDA teams evacuated them to Rambam Hospital in the city.

An eyewitness who was on the bus the terrorist was traveling on told Walla news, "The terrorist arrived by bus north of the Shfar'am station. On the main road (Route 79) he got off the bus and boarded bus number 167. He got off at the bay central station, shouted "Allahu Akbar" and started stabbing people who were on the platform. Security guards shot him."

Shortly after arrival at the hospital, medics declared the death of a man about 70 years old, who had been injured in the attack. Authorities later revealed his identity as 70-year-old Hassan Karim Dahamsheh from Kafr Kana.

The terrorist was identified as Yitro Shahin, 20, a Druze citizen of Israel from Shfar’am, who returned to Israel a week ago after spending several months abroad. Shahin was killed by a bus station security guard and an armed passerby. He arrived at the station by bus and authorities said some of those injured in the attack are also Druze.

Shfar’am Mayor Nahad Hazem told Kan public broadcaster that two of those injured were from his city, including a family member of his staff.

“It is a heinous crime, and I completely condemn it,” Hazem said.

Knesset Member Hamed Amar, a Druze Knesset member (MK) from Shfar'am, who belongs to the right-wing Yisrael Beytenu party, said the attack did not represent the Druze community.

Amar called the suspect a “terrorist with German citizenship who was born and lived in Germany.”

“Such an act of terrorism is contrary to every moral and human value and certainly does not reflect the loyal spirit of the Druze community in Israel, which is a full partner in defending the state and its values,” Amar stated.

The head of the Druze community, Sheikh Mufaq Tarif, condemned the attack, and asked people not to jump to conclusions too quickly.

"We strongly condemn the incident that took place this morning and my condolences to the family of the murdered man. Before drawing conclusions, it is important to wait for the facts to be thoroughly clarified and the investigation exhausted by the security forces: the background, origin, circumstances and the severe mental illness from which he suffered."

Medical staff at Rambam Hospital are treating four injured individuals, including three in serious condition – a man and a woman, both around 30 years old, and a 15-year-old boy. A 70-year-old woman is in moderate condition.