Jerusalem, November 21st : .Israel increased its security in East Jerusalem Sunday following rising tensions.
The shooting attack in Jerusalem that left one dead and four others injured resulted in Israel stepping up its security. The attacker was identified as Fadi Ab Shkhaidem by Palestinian media.
He opened fire on civilians outside Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.This is a controversial site that both Muslims and Jews consider holy.
One victim was seriously injured and later died in hospital.Four others sustained serious injuries.
Xinhua reported that statements were made by the Israeli government as well as medical personnel.
Israeli state-owned Kan TV named the victim as Eliyahu Jay, 26 years old, from Modiin (a west Jerusalem city).
As a guide, he was recently brought over from South Africa and worked at the Western Wall.
According to police, the assailant was killed on the spot by police.
Two of those injured were also police officers that were hit with shrapnel.
Omer Barlev, Israeli Minister of Public Safety, described the attacker as belonging to Hamas.
He also claimed that he was from East Jerusalem’s Shuafat refugee camp.Barlev revealed to journalists during a visit at the scene that the attacker had used a submachine pistol.
Barlev claims that the attacker arrived at Al-Aqsa Mosque every day to pray.He said that the assailant arrived at Al-Aqsa Mosque with a gun and chose to fire, “he explained.
According to Israeli media, Abu Shkhaidem (42), was a teacher at Jerusalem’s religious high school.
Hamas acknowledged that the attack was carried out by a group, but no one has claimed any responsibility.
However Hamas also praised this organization and said Abu Shkhaidem was a member.
At the beginning of each week’s cabinet meeting, Naftali Bennett, Israeli Prime Minister said that he had ordered security forces be alert for possible copycat attacks.
He stated that he had instructed the security force to be prepared and alert in order to avoid copycat attacks.We must be alert to prevent any future attacks.
This was the second attack on East Jerusalem in less than a week.According to police, on Wednesday, a Palestinian teenage was killed after stabbing two officers.
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