Hamas and Islamic Jihad Claim Responsibility for Tel Aviv Bombing as Blinken Arrives for Crucial Peace Talks

Hamas and Islamic Jihad have claimed responsibility for a bomb attack near a synagogue in Tel Aviv on Sunday.

This attack occurred just one hour after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in Israel, where he stressed that the current cease-fire agreement might be the last opportunity for peace in the Middle East.

A terrorist working with Hamas and Islamic Jihad blew himself up near a synagogue in Tel Aviv. AFP via Getty Images

According to Hamas, the attack was a suicide bombing aimed at the Tel Aviv temple during prayer time and was intended to be the first of many.

Israeli authorities reported that the bomber, carrying a backpack of explosives, detonated the device before reaching a more crowded area. The explosion killed the attacker and injured one passerby. Israeli police noted that if the bomber had been closer to the synagogue, the casualties could have been significantly higher.

Following the attack, Hamas issued a warning that suicide bombings might become a routine tactic, potentially as retaliation for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the group’s leader, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran.

A child looks at a hole left by the blast on Monday. AP

Blinken, on his ninth visit to the region since the conflict began on October 7, is working to advance cease-fire and hostage exchange negotiations.

He described the current moment as a critical opportunity for securing a cease-fire and achieving enduring peace, urging all parties to work towards an agreement without seeking excuses to reject it.

Hamas warned that the suicide bombing could be a regular occurence. REUTERS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described his discussions with Blinken as positive, but the ongoing violence and threats of further attacks from Hamas may complicate the negotiations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (center) is in Israel to help move along cease-fire negotiations. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

A Palestinian walks by the site of a destroyed building in Gaza 318 days into the war. REUTERS

Meanwhile, there is speculation that Iran and Hezbollah are holding off on potential retaliatory actions to gauge the outcome of the cease-fire talks. Israel has warned that it will respond to any direct attacks and has not ruled out the possibility of a two-front conflict if necessary.