At least seven people have been killed in a shooting near a synagogue in a Jewish settler neighborhood in East Jerusalem, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. Several people have also been injured.
Israeli media initially reported varying numbers of casualties. Some media speak of at least five deaths, others report seven fatalities and others speak of eight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says seven people have been killed, but that number could rise.
Several people have also been injured. Exactly how many that are, is not yet clear at the moment.
The shooter is killed. It concerns a 21-year-old man of Palestinian identity who lived in eastern Jerusalem. Media first reported that a possible second shooter was being sought, but the police believe that the man acted alone.
The shooting took place in the Neve Yaakov district. That is part of Jerusalem that has been taken by Israel. The Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem are internationally recognized as illegal.
Police speak of terrorist attack
The police speak of a terrorist attack. The perpetrator opened fire after Friday prayers in the synagogue ended. The victims were people on their way home.
The situation between Israel and Palestinians has been tense after an army operation in the West Bank this week left nine dead, including Palestinian militants. It then came to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, which Israel responded with airstrikes.
