The attack left a security guard in critical condition (illustration)
The attack left a security guard in critical condition (illustration)Hadas Parush/Flash90

Israeli authorities have extended a ban on Palestinians entering the town of Ma'ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, following a brutal ax attack on a Jewish security guard by a Palestinian worker last Friday morning.

Arab workers from the Palestinian Authority were initially banned on Friday after the attack overnight Thursday, which left father of four Tzvika Cohen in critical condition. Israeli police have now extended the ban for another five days, until Thursday.

The move is expected to affect some 500 Palestinian laborers, who have permits to work in Ma'ale Adumim, according a town spokesman.

The terrorist who carried out the attack, Saadi Ali Abu Hamad, is a 21-year-old Palestinian resident of nearby Eizariya, who was legally employed at the mall where the assault took place.

Video footage, which Arutz Sheva has decided not to publish, showed him first striking Cohen from behind, and then hacking him repeatedly with the ax as the mortally wounded guard struggled in vain to defend himself. Abu Hamad then calmly walked away, only to coolly return soon after and continue hacking at his victim.

The terrorist was arrested last night by security forces, after a family member tipped off police.

Cohen's family have urged the public to pray for the recovery of Tzvika ben Batya. Doctors at the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital where he is being treated have described his situation as still very life-threatening.