Onlookers stand at the scene of a stabbing, west of Jerusalem, in the town of Beit Shemesh, Israel October 22.

Two alleged Palestinian attackers were shot west of occupied Jerusalem on Thursday after attempting to board a bus carrying children then allegedly stabbing an Israeli, police said.

One of the alleged attackers was killed, while the second was in critical condition.

The two men were blocked from entering the bus in Beit Shemesh by the driver and others. They then stabbed and moderately wounded a 25-year-old Israeli man near the bus station, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

Police did not provide further details on the bus, including whether it was a school bus or not.

Beit Shemesh, about 30km west of occupied Jerusalem, is a predominantly Orthodox Jewish city.

Since October 1, at least 49 Palestinians and one Israeli Arab have been killed, including alleged attackers. Eight Israelis have been killed in attacks.

One Israeli Jew and one Eritrean have also been killed after being mistaken for attackers.

Violent protests have erupted across the Palestinian territories, sparking questions of a new Palestinian intifada, or uprising.