Two killed in Israeli gay centre attack

Photo by AP/Ariel Schalit

A gunman has killed two and injured ten more at a gay support centre in Tel Aviv, Israel.

The gunman, dressed in black and wearing a mask, opened fire inside the headquarters of the local gay and lesbian association, witnesses saying shooting in all directions.

The attack is suspected to be of homophobic in nature rather than politcal. A police spokesperson said that the shooting was "criminal rather than nationalistic".

Gay leaders have said that it is the worst hate crime against the gay comminuty, which is accepted openly in Tel Aviv. Yaron Arad, a nearby hotel worker, said that "That's actually the surprising issue, there is not at all any homophobic activity in Tel Aviv." He added that ""Jerusalem does not naturally accept the gay community but here in Tel Aviv it's different, totally different story. A lot of parties, a lot of gay people having fun here. That's why it's so shocking what's happened here tonight."

Yaniv Weizman, head of Israel's youth Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Association claimed that the gunmen "knew exactly where is the place, got in, and just shot everyone there" because "it's not a place you can see outside".

Mr Weizman went on to say that the attack was "a horrible, horrible shock for the gay community."

Following the gunattack hundreds of gay and lesbian Israelis held rallies and lit candles in protests at the shootings.

Ultra-orthodox Jews often protest at gay pride events in Jerusalem, however, Tel Aviv residents say that the gay communtiy is part of the city. one women said "it was so unexpected" because of the general lack of homophobia in Tel Aviv.

Speaking about the perpetrator, Yaniv Weizman said "There is a big anger and if we will know that behind this action it's a religious movement, we will punish the people behind it,". Police have begun a manhunt for the gunmen and are conducting a door-to-door search of houses. The temporary closure of gay bars and clubs has been ordered in the city by police.

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, comdemned the "horrific killing" and said that Israel is "a tolerant, democratic country governed by the rule of law and we must respect each and every person." The country's Deputy Prime Minister described the event as a "massacre".