Tensions have mounted in Jerusalem after a suspected terrorist attack near East Jerusalem killed a Border Police officer and wounded not less than 13 others on Wednesday. The assailant has been identified as Ibrahim al-Akri, a 38-year-old Palestinian with Israeli citizenship who is believed to be a low-level Hamas member. Read more on UPI:
According to rescue unit head Eli Bir, the incident occurred when Akri drove his vehicle into a crowd of people, striking several pedestrians at a bus stop on Shimon Hatzadik Street before proceeding to Moshe Zaks Street, where more people were struck.
Akri then reportedly exited his car and used a metal rod to attack people before police shot and killed him.
Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum praised Akri for “this heroic operation,” adding, “We call for more such … operations.”
Israel’s Economy Minister Naftali Bennett blamed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for encouraging the attack. “Abu Mazen is the driver of the death car and the terrorists his emissaries.”
