Three terrorists, identified as Arab-Israelis from the city of Um-el-Fahm, opened fire using automatic weapons at around 7:00 am local time this morning, on Israeli police officers guarding the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City. They then fled up to the Temple Mount platform, where security forces confronted them as they attempted to seek refuge in one of the mosques on the Mount, killing all three. Two Israeli police officers were killed in the initial attack, and a third sustained serious injuries.
The victims, identified as Hail Stawi and Kaamil Shnaan from Israel’s Druze community, were evacuated in grave condition from the site of the attack and pronounced dead at Hadassah Medical Center on Mount Scopus. Shnaan is the son of former MK Shachiv Shnaan.
The terrorists, identified as Muhammad Ahmad Muhammad Jabarin, 29, Muhammad Hamed Abed al-Atif Jabarin, 19, and Muhammad Ahmad Mafdel Jabarin, 19, had no prior record of terror activity.
In the wake of the attack, and out of a concern that there were additional terrorists, explosives or weaponry on the Temple Mount or in its shrines, Israeli police evacuated the Temple Mount area and cancelled scheduled Friday prayers at the al-Aqsa Mosque.
Hamas, Islamic Jihad applaud ‘heroic’ attack in Jerusalem.
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) July 14, 2017
Shocked and horrified by the despicable attack today in Jerusalem. Terrorism must be condemned by all and defeated. We pray for the victims.
— Ambassador Friedman (@USAmbIsrael) July 14, 2017
Here is the selfie of two Jerusalem attackers just an hour before they shot at Israeli policeman. Notice awful anti-Semitic comment on side. pic.twitter.com/obHRGhaiSy
— Dov Lieber (@DovLieber) July 14, 2017