After two separate Palestinian attacks in Jerusalem over the past two days, Israel’s prime minister has promised a “strong” and “quick” response.
The attacks occurred after an Israeli army incursion in the occupied West Bank claimed the lives of nine individuals.
Benjamin Netanyahu stated, before a security cabinet meeting, that he will seek new steps to “fight terror.”
In addition, the Israeli army announced that it would increase its troop presence in the occupied West Bank.
His remarks came after Israeli police said a 13-year-old Palestinian child was responsible for a Saturday shooting in Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood that left an Israeli father and son gravely injured.
A spokesperson for the Israeli police department previously stated that the attacker ambushed five individuals on their way to prayer, leaving two in “serious condition.” The 13-year-old was shot and injured by bystanders and is currently hospitalized.
In a separate shooting at a synagogue in East Jerusalem on Friday, seven people were murdered and at least three others were wounded as they gathered for prayers at the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath. The shooter was killed on the spot.
Local media identified the perpetrator of Friday’s synagogue attack as a Palestinian from East Jerusalem.
The police have arrested 42 individuals for this crime.
The Israeli police chief, Kobi Shabtai, described it as “one of the worst attacks we’ve seen in recent years.”
Palestinian militant groups praised the incident, although none of their members were named as perpetrators.
Mr. Netanyahu appealed for calm and asked citizens to allow security forces to perform their duties. While the military announced the deployment of extra troops in the occupied West Bank.
Mr. Netanyahu urged all Israelis, “Do not take the law into your own hands.” He praised various foreign leaders for their support, including US President Joe Biden.
Thursday’s Israeli military incursion in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, resulted in the deaths of nine Palestinians, including militants and civilians. This has heightened tensions.
This was followed by rocket fire from Gaza into Israel, to which Israel retaliated with airstrikes.
In the West Bank, 30 Palestinians, both terrorists, and civilians, have been killed since the beginning of January.
After Thursday’s raid in Jenin, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stopped security cooperation arrangements with Israel.
The synagogue shooting occurred on Holocaust Memorial Day, which honors the six million Jews and other victims slain by the Nazi regime in Germany during the Holocaust.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine condemned the incident, stating that one of the fatalities was a woman from Ukraine.
“Terrorism has no place in the modern world, whether in Israel or Ukraine,” he tweeted.
James Cleverly, British Foreign Secretary, commented on Twitter: “It is horrible to attack congregants at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day and Shabbat. We support our Israeli allies.”
The White House stated that President Joe Biden spoke with Mr. Netanyahu and offered all “necessary methods of support.”
Mr. Netanyahu and the notorious far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the site shortly after the shooting.
Mr. Ben-Gvir promised to restore safety to Israel’s streets, but there is growing dissatisfaction that he has yet to do so, according to Yolande Knell of the BBC in Jerusalem.
A representative for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed “grave concern” over the current escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Now is the time to display the utmost prudence,” said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the United Nations.
Saturday, the European Union voiced concern over the escalating tensions and urged Israel to only use lethal force as a last resort.
The European Union recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns. As seen by recent terrorist assaults,” said Josep Borrell, the EU’s top diplomat. “However, military action must only be used as a last resort when it is necessary to defend lives.”
Since the 1967 Middle East War, Israel has occupied East Jerusalem and regards the entire city as its capital. Although this is not recognized by the vast majority of the international world.
Palestinians assert that East Jerusalem will serve as the future capital of their envisioned independent state.
