At least three people were killed in an attack in the Israeli city of Elad.

At least three people were killed in what police suspect was a Palestinian attack in the central Israeli city of Elad on the country’s Independence Day.

Witnesses and emergency responders said the suspects used guns, axes and knives.

Police set up roadblocks to try to capture the suspects who fled the scene, about 15 km from Tel Aviv. On television, the mayor of Elad urged residents to stay at home while security forces were still operating.

Health officials said three people had been killed and two others were being treated for serious injuries.

“The joy of Independence Day was stopped in an instant. A murderous attack on Elad that shocks the heart and soul,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid wrote on social media. “We will not give in to terror.”

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack. “The murder of Palestinian and Israeli civilians will only lead to further deterioration of the situation,” Abbas said, according to Palestinian state news agency WAFA.

Prior to Elad, Palestinians and members of Israel’s Arab minority killed 15 people, including three police officers and a security guard, in attacks in Israel and the West Bank that targeted mostly civilians.

Israel responded with arrests in Palestinian towns and villages that often sparked clashes and brought the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since the beginning of the year to at least 40. Victims include armed members of militant groups and lone attackers.

Earlier on Thursday, clashes erupted again between Palestinians and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem’s Old City, although they were more limited than last month.

Jewish visitors were allowed into the area on Thursday after a 10-day suspension from the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that controls Gaza, praised Elad’s attack but did not claim responsibility. The group claimed it was a response to Israeli actions at the holy site of Jerusalem.

Yehya Al-Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, said earlier this week: “Whoever has a rifle must have it ready, and whoever does not have a rifle must prepare his knife or his axe.”