Israeli police are searching the city of Tel Aviv for a man who killed two people and wounded at least 13 when he opened fire at a gay youth club, yesterday.
The attack killed a 26-year-old male youth counsellor and a 17-year-old girl, both of whom were shot
in a basement room where the Gay and Lesbian Association were holding a support group meeting.
Earlier reports initially said three people had died, but - at the time of going to press - the number of fatalities remains confirmed at two.
Now, other homosexual social groups and clubs are being warned of a potential threat.
"We'll bring him to justice and exercise the full extent of the law against him," said prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"We are a tolerant, democratic country governed by the rule of law and we must respect each and every person."
"This is an unprecedented event for Israel and for the community," May
Pamel, the director of the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association, told
reporters.
Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai has refused to comment on the motive for the attack, although a court order has already banned publication of the investigation's details.
Police have ruled out the possibility that it was an anti-Israeli attack by a Palestinian, suggesting that it's a homophobic hate crime.