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Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond condemned yesterday’s terror attack on a Tel Aviv bus, which saw a Palestinian man stab 17 people, injuring some seriously.

23-year-old Hamza Matrouk, from Tulkarm in the West Bank boarded the bus during rush hour and attacked the driver, who fought back but was unable to prevent Matrouk from stabbing several commuters. The attacker eventually fled the bus on foot before being shot in the leg and apprehended by security personnel. Under questioning, Matrouk said that his actions were motivated by Operation Protective Edge and tensions surrounding the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, as well as religious promises of eternal reward for the “martyrdom” of killing Jews.

Following the attack, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond released a statement saying, “I strongly condemn the terrorist attack on passengers on the bus on Begin Road in Tel Aviv this morning. This was a cowardly and senseless attack. Violent attacks of this nature only undermine the cause of peace.” He added, “Every Israeli and Palestinian has a right to live in peace and security. We call on all to ensure calm.”

Meanwhile, Israeli leaders pointed the finger of blame for yesterday’s attack at incitement from Palestinian leaders, particularly Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was the “direct result of the Palestinian Authority’s venomous incitement against the Jews and their state. The same terror tries to hurt us in Paris, Brussels and everywhere.” Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon said the attack “sprouted forth from incitement toward Israel,” while Economy Minister Naftali Bennett commented “Abbas incites day and night against the Jews on television” and “The man responsible for the Tel Aviv attack is same person marching with world leaders in Paris last week.”

Abbas recently called on Palestinians to “use any means” to prevent Jews from “desecrating the Temple Mount” and sent a letter of condolence to the family of a “martyr” who attempted to assassinate a campaigner for Jewish prayer rights at the site.