An Israeli embassy employee in Beijing was stabbed on a street in the Chinese capital, according to Israel’s foreign ministry. The attack occurred outside the embassy compound. The employee is currently receiving treatment at a hospital and is in stable condition. The motive for the assault is under investigation.
Video footage posted on social media, geolocated by AFP, shows a man repeatedly stabbing another man with a knife. The attacker can be seen leaving the scene with the weapon. Security staff and a policeman from the Xinyuanli police station were present at the location.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas. Hamas recently carried out a surprise attack, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel and the taking of approximately 150 hostages. Israel has responded with air and artillery strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 1,350 deaths.
The Israeli foreign ministry has warned of potential violent protests organized by Hamas supporters worldwide, including a “Day of Rage” on Friday. The Israeli embassy in Beijing, located in a diplomatic neighborhood, appeared to be operating normally, with no visible increase in security measures.
China’s foreign ministry has not yet commented on the incident.
