Three people were injured in a shooting assault on Temple Mount in Jerusalem, according to the Israeli ambulance service. All attackers were neutralized, police confirm.
Two of the three wounded people are in critical condition following the attack near Lions Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City on Friday, according to Israeli ambulance service official Magen David Adom, as cited by Reuters.
All three victims were sent to a Jerusalem hospital.
Two Israelis in very serious condition after terror attack by multiple terrorists w/ rifles & pistol at Lions Gate entrance to Temple Mount. pic.twitter.com/ihONvS7n3c
— Israel Breaking (@IsraelBreaking) July 14, 2017
The district, which is a popular tourist and prayer site, has been closed.
The Temple Mount has been closed to visitors and everyone there is being removed.
— Michael Pitkowsky (@mpitkowsky) July 14, 2017
No prayers will be held at the site today, according to Israeli police. Friday prayers at the site were cancelled for the first time in years, according to Haaretz.
Police: Shooting attack on Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Shooters tried to hide in Mosque. (Not clear against whom it was perpetrated)
— Steve Miller (@SteveMiller202) July 14, 2017
Israeli police posted a picture of the attackers’ alleged weapons. Police say that “the terrorists seized” them, but did not disclose any further details.
2 רובי קרל גוסטב ואקדח נתפסו ברשות המחבלים. ישנם מספר פצועים במצב קשה. מפקד המחוז הורה על סגירת הר הבית וכי לא יתקיימו היום תפילות במקום pic.twitter.com/PpcIKSqLvq
— משטרת ישראל (@IL_police) 14. Juli 2017
The attackers’ identities have not been released yet.
Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan said the assault is still being investigated, according to Haaretz.
“The attack today is a difficult and severe event in which red lines were crossed. The attack is still under investigation and will require of us to review all security arrangements at the [Temple] Mount and its surroundings,” the minister said.
“I call on all public leaders to act to calm the situation and preserve the quiet in Jerusalem.”
In June, a 23-year-old Israeli policewoman was killed and four other people were injured after simultaneous knife and gun assaults in Jerusalem. Although Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS, ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack, a Hamas spokesman said that it was carried out by “two Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and a third from Hamas.”
READ MORE: Israeli policewoman killed in ISIS-claimed stabbing attacks in Jerusalem
In May, Israeli police shot a 16-year-old Palestinian girl after what they say was an attempted knife attack at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem. However, the girl did not pose a lethal threat, according to witness accounts.
READ MORE: Israeli police shoot 16yo girl after alleged knife attack in Jerusalem
