By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
The U.S. sharply condemned a series of stabbings in Tel Aviv, allegedly committed by a Palestinian youth Wednesday.
“We strongly condemn today's stabbings on a bus in Tel Aviv. There is and can be no justification for such attacks against innocent civilians,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.
“We continue to urge all sides to work cooperatively together to lower tensions, reject violence and seek a path forward toward peace,” she added.
Hassan Matrouk, 23, boarded a bus and attacked passengers with a knife, leaving five with moderate to serious injuries while four others were lightly wounded, Israeli police said.
Matrouk was taken to a Tel Aviv hospital after Israeli police shot him in the leg near the scene of the attack and arrested him.
Investigators said that Matrouk was "influenced" by Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip last summer, according to a statement released by Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service.
At least 2,160 Palestinians – mostly civilians – were killed and some 11,000 injured in the 51-day campaign.
Police said Matrouk would be held for three days before being referred to an Israeli military court.
