New Delhi: In the latest incident amid a surge of violence in Israel and the West Bank, at least two people were killed on Thursday while several others were wounded during an attack in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
"So far, 10 wounded have arrived at the trauma room of Ichilov Hospital. But unfortunately, despite the doctors' efforts, two of the wounded died," Ichilov Hospital stated, as reported by the news agency AFP.
As per the hospital, four of the wounded patients were in "critical condition" and undergoing surgery.
AFP reported two witnesses as saying that they heard gunshots in the centre of Tel Aviv.
Police, in a statement, asked residents to stay inside during the incident "which is still ongoing."
According to The Times of Israel, police spokesperson Eli Levi said the shooting was "a terror attack" that took place at "several locations" on Dizengoff Street.
It is one of the busiest streets in Tel Aviv buzzing with cafes and bars.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reacted to the development by saying, "It has been a very difficult night. I send my condolences to the families of those who were murdered and I pray for the complete recovery of the wounded."
"Security forces are in pursuit of the terrorist who carried out the murderous rampage tonight in Tel Aviv. Wherever the terrorist is - we will get to him. And everyone who helped him indirectly or directly - will pay a price," he added in a statement, as quoted by news agency ANI.
The police said the shooter was still at large and hundreds of policemen including border police forces had launched a massive manhunt across the city.
Police spokesperson Eli Levi asked the residents of Tel Aviv to "stay home, lock the door, and avoid standing on the porch."
The Israeli police released a picture of the suspect and asked the public for help identifying him. The force described the suspect as possibly a thin person wearing a black shirt and black shorts. The man was likely armed with a pistol, they informed.
Last week, a gunman opened fire in the Israeli city of Bnei Brak, killing five people. Prior to that, terror attacks occurred in Be'er Sheva and Hadera, leaving a total death toll of 11 people.
(With Agency Inputs)