What drives the Palestinians who attack Jews with kitchen knives?

Israelis and Palestinians have been killed as violence spikes in recent weeks in the region. There is no one reason for the chaos, but the surge in Palestinian attacks comes down to politics, personal grievances and religion. (Jason Aldag/The Washington Post)

By William Booth and Ruth Eglash-October 20


JERUSALEM — Israelis and Palestinians are struggling to understand the minds and motivations of the attackers who awake one morning to wield a kitchen knife against Jews.

After three weeks and dozens of assaults with screwdrivers, guns, meat cleavers and cars, it is becoming clear there is no single, neat profile. Nor is there any single reason for the growing number of Palestinian attacks.

At the Beersheva central bus station in southern Israel, police say a gunman killed one person and wounded eight. A second man was shot by a security guard and beaten by a mob after being mistaken for a second gunman. (Reuters)

What Drives the Palestinians Who Attack Jews With Kitchen Knives by Thavam Ratna