Seven people were shot and killed and at least three others were wounded in a terror shooting attack near a synagogue in Jerusalem’s Neve Yaakov neighborhood, police and medics said Friday night.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured. It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship, and on the very day we commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day. There is never any excuse for acts of terrorism. They must be clearly condemned and rejected by all. He is deeply worried about the current escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. This is the moment to exercise utmost restraint.
According to police, the terrorist arrived by car at 8:13 p.m. in the Jewish East Jerusalem neighborhood and opened fire at people outside the synagogue and other passersby. He then fled the scene by car toward the Palestinian neighborhood of Beit Hanina. Police said the shooter a resident of East Jerusalem was shot dead after he exited the car and opened fire on the officers while trying to escape on foot. A handgun used in the attack was seized.
Tensions have been high since nine Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank the day before. This was followed by rocket fire into Israel from Gaza in relation, which Israel responded to with air strikes.
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