Israel shooting: Multiple people shot in Tel Aviv 'terrorist' attack, police say

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Multiple people were shot in Israel's main commercial city Thursday night, leaving several injured in what authorities described as a "terrorist" attack.

The gunfire rang out on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv's nightlife district, officials said, sending patrons and pedestrians running for their lives. 

"This is a terrorist who shot at a pub on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv, from which five casualties of various degrees of injury were evacuated, and many police forces are in the area searching for the terrorist," the Israel Police initially tweeted. 

However, Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service said it had evacuated six people to a hospital. The hospital said two people died and that another eight who were wounded were receiving treatment. Authorities have not confirmed any deaths.

Authorities responded to the chaotic scene and asked the public to stay away from the area and remain indoors.

Israeli police inspect the scene of a shooting attack In Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday. Israeli police say several people were wounded in a shooting in central Tel Aviv. The shooting on Thursday evening occurred in a crowded area with several bars and restaurants. (AP/Ariel Schalit)

The motive for the attack was not immediately clear, but tensions have soared following recent attacks by Palestinians that killed 11 people in Israel ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said he arrived at the scene and has been briefed by authorities. 

Thomas Nides, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, tweeted that he was "horrified to see another cowardly terror attack on innocent civilians, this time in Tel Aviv."

Thursday's events came just over a week after five people were shot by a gunman on a motorcycle in the Tel Aviv suburb of Bnei Brak.

The Al-Aqsa Brigades' organization, the military wing of Fatah — a Palestinian nationalist political party, claimed responsibility for the attack involving a 27-year-old Palestinian from the West Bank who was killed by authorities.

It was the third attack in recent days up to that point. 

Israeli police inspect the scene of a shooting attack In Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday. Israeli police say several people were wounded in a shooting in central Tel Aviv. The shooting on Thursday evening occurred in a crowded area with several bars and restaurants. (AP/Ariel Schalit)

Dizengoff Street has been the scene of several deadly events over the years. Most recently, an Arab citizen of Israel shot and killed two Israelis and wounded several others on the street in January 2016.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.