At least five killed in Jerusalem synagogue attack

At least five people have been killed in an attack near a synagogue in Jerusalem, Israeli media and rescuers report. Some Israeli newspapers speak of seven dead. Several people were also injured, some of whom are in serious condition.

The Israeli police speaks of a terrorist attack. The perpetrator has been killed, police said. The identity of the shooter has not yet been released. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the Palestinian militant movement Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack.

The attack was in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood, in northern East Jerusalem. The gunman is said to have opened fire on visitors to a synagogue there. The Sabbath begins on Friday evening for religious Jews.

Emergency workers drive back and forth to help victims:

Yesterday, the Israeli army carried out an attack on a refugee camp in the city of Jenin, killing nine Palestinians. It was the deadliest Israeli strike in months.

Jenin is located in the north of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The reception camp in the city was originally intended for Palestinian refugees. Over the years it has grown into a permanent residential area with concrete houses.

A Hamas spokesman said yesterday that the Israelis’ attack had once again put the situation in the West Bank and Gaza on edge.

Israel itself said yesterday’s move was intended to arrest members of the Palestinian militant movement Islamic Jihad. That organization is accused by Israel of preparing and carrying out terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.