Israeli stabbed, seriously injured, in overnight stabbing attack

An Israeli security guard was seriously wounded in a West Bank mall overnight in an apparent stabbing attack, the Israeli police said.

Israeli forces were called to a mall in Ma'ale Adumim, a Jewish settlement east of Jerusalem, at one am early Friday, where they found a 47-year-old security guard stabbed in his upper body, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said.

An initial investigation by the Israeli police and the Shin Bet security services determined that the attacker was Palestinian who managed to flee the scene. Security forces are still in the middle of a manhunt for the perpetrator.

The guard was evacuated to the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem. A spokesperson for the hospital said the man entered surgery and was in serious condition.

Following the incident, Palestinians who work in the Jewish settlement will not be allowed to enter it until Sunday, according to the police.

Twenty eight Israelis have been killed since the ongoing wave of violence started in October from stabbing, shooting and car-ramming attacks. More than 170 Palestinians have died during this time, some in clashes with Israeli security forces during protests, and others gunned down after allegedly trying to carry out attacks.

Israeli leaders charge the wave of violence is fueled by the Palestinian Authority's incitement, whereas the Palestinians charge it's a result of nearly 50 years of Israeli occupation of the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, where Palestinians wish to establish an independent state. Endit