Footage of terrorists in the mosque
New information has surfaced regarding Tuesday's terror attack in Tel Aviv, where seven people were murdered. It has been revealed that the two Palestinian gunmen entered the Al-Nuzha Mosque in the city's predominantly-Arab Jaffa quarter minutes before the shooting began.
The attackers, who had illegally crossed into Israel, threatened worshippers in the mosque, saying, "No one leaves the mosque; whoever leaves, risks their own head."
One of the mosque attendees, identified as D., recounted that the gunmen carried large backpacks, hid them near the restrooms and drew weapons, including an M-16 rifle and a knife. "They threatened us not to leave and then headed west. From afar, they saw the train stop and began shooting people at point-blank range. I saw it myself because I ran after them. People fell on the spot. They murdered Jews, they murdered Arabs," D. recalled.
Ali, the mosque official, said one of the terrorists entered the mosque with an M-16 rifle, warning, "No one will leave, whoever does will be responsible for their deaths." After issuing the threat, the attackers left. "We immediately closed the doors, called the police, and then heard the gunfire," Ali said.
In response to the attack, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would consider demolishing the mosque if it was found that the attackers used it to hide or escape. However, a police investigation cleared the worshippers of any involvement.
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Ali condemned Ben-Gvir's remarks, saying, "We've lived together for 70 years. Is he here to create hate between Arabs and Jews? He should stay in his place."
After leaving the mosque, the terrorists ran down Jaffa's main street and entered a light rail car, where they shot passengers at close range. The attackers continued their rampage along Jerusalem Boulevard, shooting passersby before being neutralized by security forces.
The attackers, identified as Mohammed Mesek, 19, and Ahmad Himouni, 25, were armed with M-16 rifles, magazines and a knife. Mesek was killed at the scene, while Haimouni was seriously wounded. The two had crossed from the West Bank into Israel, though it remains unclear exactly when.
A joint investigation by the Shin Bet and Israeli Police revealed that the two terrorists had no prior arrests, though one was involved in a public disturbance incident.
Following the attack, the IDF imposed a closure on Hebron and conducted overnight raids on Haimouni's home. Several family members, including his father and brothers, were arrested on suspicion of aiding the terrorists by providing weapons and facilitating their entry into Israel. They were transferred to Shin Bet custody for further questioning.
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