A large explosion occurred on Lehi Street near a synagogue in Tel Aviv, Israel, on the evening of August 18.
The Israeli police and Shin Bet security agency are investigating the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
The explosion took place during evening prayers, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
The victim, a 50-year-old man, was caught on surveillance cameras carrying a backpack that police believe contained the explosives.
According to reports from Army Radio Kan, the man was identified as a Palestinian from the Nablus area in the West Bank. The explosion also injured a 33-year-old man who was riding a scooter nearby, causing moderate injuries.
The explosion took place while the synagogue was filled with worshippers. It’s not clear if the explosion was supposed to happen there or if it went off too early.
Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a suicide bombing planned with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Tel Aviv Ayalon police chief Chaim Bobalil said it was fortunate the bomber didn't reach the synagogue or a nearby mall, which could have resulted in many more deaths.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to find out more about the planning behind the attack and to prevent future incidents.
