Today: 11 July 2025
22 November 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

71 refugees resettled from Libya to Canada UN

Next Story

Global Covid caseload tops 257.5 mn

Latest from Arab News

Peace talks in the desert

President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s unwavering support for initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable peace, dialogue, and development in the South Caucasus. He also applauded the willingness of the Armenian and

World’s energy thirst to grow: OPEC

UAE sticks to 5 million bpd oil output goal as OPEC launches new World Oil Outlook at Vienna seminar…reports Asian Lite News Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum

Red Sea Warzone

Iran-backed rebels intensify maritime assaults in support of Gaza; US and EU condemn abductions, Israel intercepts missile….reports Asian Lite News The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have stepped up their maritime offensive in the

UAE dropped from EU AML watchlist

Landmark decision paves way for stronger trade, smoother finance, and renewed global trust…reports Asian Lite News The UAE has been formally removed from the European Union’s list of high-risk third countries under

Pakistan, Turkey Cement Defence Ties

Turkey and Pakistan aim to enhance bilateral trade volume to USD $ 5billion, especially in defence, trade, energy, and infrastructure sectors….reports Asian Lite News Turkey and Pakistan have further solidified their longstanding,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Protect Rafah civilians, Biden tells Netanyahu  

The call between the two leaders was the second time

A Rare Chance To Chart A New Course Toward Peace

There has never been an Israeli government representing the entire