A Palestinian terrorist stabbed two Israeli civilians in the Old City of Jerusalem early this morning, before Israeli police units managed to locate and neutralize the assailant.
The incident started around 6:20 AM, when a 19-year-old Palestinian, who was later identified as a resident of the West Bank, attacked a 50-year-old Israeli man near the Old City’s Damascus Gate with a knife. The assailant then fled into the alleyways of the ancient city. Upon arrival at the Hurva Synagogue, which is located in the Jewish Quarter, the terrorist attacked another Israeli civilian, a 16-year-old teenager, who sustained light-to-moderate wounds.
Both Israelis were treated at the scene, and were taken to Jerusalem’s Sha’are Tzedek Medical Center for further treatment. According to Police Spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld: “One terrorist carried-out a stabbing attack at the Damascus Gate. As a result, one Israeli was injured seriously at the scene. Immediately after that, Police units searched in and around the area of the old city where the terrorist was found inside the Jewish Quarter area. What we know is, one other Israeli was stabbed during the attack itself.”
Rosenfeld further noted that the responding police units neutralized the terrorist, who shortly thereafter succumbed to his wounds.
Furthermore, Rosenfeld underscored that security forces are maintaining heightened security in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, on the last Friday of Ramadan, which is considered to be the most sensitive day during the month-long Muslim holiday. “Heightened security is continuing in and around the area of the Old City (Jerusalem) in order to prevent any further terrorist attacks. The terrorist himself was shot at the scene by police units that responded, and security measures will continue throughout the day, the last Friday of Ramadan, and units are mobilized in and around the area of the Old City,” the Israeli Police Spokesman said.
Another incident took-place at the Qalandia military-crossing, which is the main passageway from the West Bank city of Ramallah toward Jerusalem. The Police has informed TV7 that they successfully thwarted another potential stabbing attack. A 40-year-old Palestinian suspect was apprehended, when he sought to cross into Israel carrying a concealed knife. The suspect was taken-in for questioning.
Meanwhile, near the city of Bethlehem, a Palestinian assailant attempted to breach the security barrier, which separates the West Bank from the rest of Israel. Border-police units stationed in the area opened fire toward the assailant, who sustained moderate injuries. Police identified the Palestinian suspect as an active member of the Islamist Hamas organization. The suspect was taken to a Jerusalem medical facility for treatment, and police launched an inquiry into the incident.