American citizens were reportedly among the eight people injured in a recently reported Palestinian shooting along the area near Jerusalem’s Western Wall this past Sunday, as stated by Israeli police.
Recently identified as Amir Sidawi, the alleged shooter voluntarily turned themself in after first trying to flee the area and sparking a chase via a large-scale manhunt.
“A very serious incident, a serious attack with serious consequences. I am happy that the terrorist is in our hands,” explained Yaakov Shabtai, the Commissioner of the National Police, about the attack via an English translation.
Doron Turgeman, the Jerusalem District Commander Superintendent, highlights that the massive search most likely spooked the alleged shooter and caused him to finally surrender.
“In the end, the hunt and a very strenuous investment by the police and Shin Bet. We created significant pressure–which probably led to his extradition,” Turgeman went on to state in a recent report to the press.
The identities of the various victims have not yet been officially released. However, it has been confirmed by Tom Nides, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, via a social media post that There were Americans injured in the attack.
“Deeply saddened to confirm that Americans were injured in this attack,” expressed Nides. “I’ve spoken with the families and will keep them in my prayers. Continuing to monitor the situation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid spoke out to the gathered media regarding the incident as well, making promises to deal with the shooter to the harshest and fullest extent of the law.
“There is one conclusion from this incident, as from previous incidents: Whoever harms Israeli citizens has nowhere to hide. We will pursue them, find them wherever they are, and deal with them to the fullest extent of the law,” stated Lapid.
“I spoke with the mayor of Jerusalem this morning and he is continuing to prepare the city for the holiday events. Jerusalem is vibrant and full of tourists and we will continue to keep it safe,” he went on.
The shooting occurred just under a week after the truce went into effect regarding rocket strikes between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. The strikes occurred due to a recent crackdown by Israel against members of the terror group Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The exchange included numerous rockets that were targeting Israel from the Gaza Strip.
Roughly 47 Palestinians were reportedly killed due to the recent strikes, with officials in Israel claiming it had managed to take out the top leaders of the terror group.
As of writing, no groups have officially taken responsibility for the attack, and Sidawi has not been connected to any known terror groups.