Israeli Druze citizen behind deadly Haifa bus station stabbing

A recent stabbing attack at the Hamifratz central bus station in Haifa has left one person dead and several others wounded. Hebrew media reports identify the assailant as a Druze Israeli citizen who also held German citizenship. The attacker, who had lived abroad for some time, reportedly returned to Israel about a month ago.

Eyewitnesses described the assailant as being around 20 years old, and he arrived at the bus station on a bus from Shfar’am, Caliber.Az reports citing Israeli media.

The attack unfolded on March 3 morning near a shopping center on Histadrut Boulevard in the northern coastal city, resulting in the death of a man in his 70s. At least four others were injured, including a teenage boy, a woman in her 30s, and another woman in her 70s. Various Hebrew media outlets have reported differing numbers, with some suggesting up to six victims.

The assailant reportedly began shouting "Allahu Akbar" before launching the stabbing spree. One eyewitness recalled the events, saying: "He got off the bus at the Hamifratz station, shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ and started stabbing people." Security guards at the scene responded quickly, shooting and killing the attacker before he could cause further harm.

The attack is part of a rising wave of violence in Israel, which has been on edge amid growing tensions with Hamas and other militant groups. The incident also follows a failed bombing attack in Tel Aviv, where three buses exploded due to suspected homemade devices, which are believed to have detonated prematurely.

The ongoing violence in Israel has escalated fears of a return to all-out conflict, particularly as phase one of the hostage deal with Hamas has expired without any further agreements.

By Vafa Guliyeva