November 22, 2021
2 mins read

Israel reinforces security after fatal attack in East Jerusalem

Israel reinforced its security in East Jerusalem on Sunday amid rising tensions in the flashpoint city following a shooting attack that killed one civilian and injured four…reports Asian Lite News

At about 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT), the attacker, identified by Palestinian media as Fadi Abu Shkhaidem, opened fire at civilians outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a contested site holy to both Muslims and Jews.

One person was critically injured in the shooting and died hours later in hospital, while four more sustained injuries, Xinhua news agency reported quoting statements from the Israeli government and medical facilities.

Israeli state-owned Kan news TV identified the victim as Eliyahu Kay, 26, from Modiin, a city west of Jerusalem. He recently migrated from South Africa to Israel and was employed at the Western Wall, known in Islam as the Buraq Wall, as a tourist guide.

The assailant was shot and killed by the police on the spot, the police said in a statement, adding two of the four injured were police officers who were wounded by shrapnel.

Israeli Minister of Public Security Omer Barlev described the shooter as a member of Hamas and from the Shuafat refugee camp in East Jerusalem. During a tour at the scene, Barlev told journalists that the attacker used a submachine gun.

According to Barlev, the assailant arrived at the Al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers every day. “Today he arrived with a weapon and decided to shoot, unfortunately,” he said.

The attacker Abu Shkhaidem, 42, was a teacher at a religious high school in Jerusalem, according to Israeli media.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but Hamas praised it and confirmed that Abu Shkhaidem was its member.

Speaking at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he ordered security forces to be on alert to prevent possible “copycat” attacks that might follow Sunday’s attack.

ALSO READ: Israel Rejects US Consulate for Palestinians in Jerusalem

“I have directed the security forces to prepare accordingly and be alert, also over concern for copycat attacks,” he said. “We need to be on heightened alert and prevent future attacks.”

It was the second attack in East Jerusalem within a week. On Wednesday, a Palestinian teenager was shot dead after he stabbed two police officers, the police said.

Previous Story

Internet service suspended to muzzle Nawaz Sharif’s speech

Next Story

Global Covid caseload tops 257.5 mn

Latest from Arab News

Palestine: UK MPs Urge PM to Emulate France

Global condemnation has been growing over Israel’s blockade of most aid with reports of starvation and widespread malnutrition in Gaza Keir Starmer has confirmed the government will be “taking forward” plans to

Hamas Reiterates Peace Effort After U.S. Jab

Hamas Reaffirms Commitment to Ceasefire Talks After U.S. Criticism…reports Asian Lite News Hamas on Friday reiterated its commitment to the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, responding to remarks by U.S. Special Envoy to the

Israel, US recall teams from Gaza truce talks

Steve Witkoff said mediators had made a great effort but “Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith”…reports Asian Lite News Israel and the United States recalled their

Riyadh welcomes Paris pivot to Palestine

Move stirs global response as Macron breaks G7 ranks; Israel and US condemn recognition bid amid Gaza war…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Arabia has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to officially

‘UN-OIC unity key to peace push’

Khaled Khiari, particularly highlighted the convergence of UN and OIC efforts in the Middle East, especially in seeking a just, comprehensive resolution to the Palestine question…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Australia Sanctions Israel Amid West Bank Tensions

Wong said Canberra has been firm and consistent that Israeli

Oil, gold prices rise amid Iran-Israel tensions

The benchmark Brent crude price rose to around $90 a