Explosion and Fire Hit Haredi Residential Building in Ashdod, Police Investigate Arson

In the early hours between Saturday night and Sunday morning, a fire broke out in a Haredi residential building on HaTzevaoni Street in Ashdod, following a suspected criminal act. Around 3:00 AM, emergency services received reports of an explosion that caused panic among residents, followed by a fire engulfing the building. Large forces from the police, fire and rescue services, and Magen David Adom were dispatched to the scene. Police secured the area and began collecting forensic evidence.

Medical teams treated a 54-year-old woman who suffered respiratory issues due to smoke inhalation. Neve Cohen, a paramedic and ambulance driver with United Hatzalah, along with fellow medics Yohai Cohen and Kobi Harush, reported providing initial oxygen treatment at the scene before transporting her to Assuta Hospital, where her condition was described as moderate and stable.

Initial suspicions that a fragmentation grenade had been thrown were dismissed by police, who currently believe the incident was a deliberate arson attack. Ashdod police investigators have launched a comprehensive inquiry to identify suspects and determine the motive behind the event.