Terror struck in Jerusalem's Armon Hanatav neighborhood this morning when a flatbed truck plowed through a group of Israeli soldiers. Four people were killed and 13 others were injured in the attack. Three women and one man were killed in the attack, while three out of the 13 injured are listed in critical condition and have been taken to area hospitals, according to authorities.
Fadi al-Qanbar, 20, has been identified as the attacker, and it is believed that he has served time in an Israeli prison. Nine others have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The attack
A security camera captured the attack, which showed the flatbed truck crashing into a group of people who were there to visit the Old City. The truck then tried to back over the victims. Rescuers had to lift the vehicle off the victims. Micky Rosenfeld, the spokesman for the Israel police stated, "a group had gotten off the bus and were organized with their bags when the terrorist took the opportunity," Rosenfeld said, via CNN. The soldiers were there visiting the area as part of Culture Sundays. Culture Sundays give cadets an opportunity to learn about historical sites.
Prime Minister statement
In a statement made by Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu said, "according to all signs the attacker was a supporter of the Islamic State," Netanyahu continued to state, " we in Jerusalem have just experienced an unprovoked Terror Attack, a murderous attack that claimed the lives of four young Israelis and wounded others," Netanyahu said.
No group at this time has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Old City
The Old City of Jerusalem dates back to 1520, under the rule of the Ottoman Sultan. The Old City is the home to three different religion's holy sites. The Temple Mount is part of the Old City and includes the al-Aksa mosque, which was built in the seventh century.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a Christian site where Jesus Christ is believed to have died. Also in the Old City is the St. James Monastery. The Jewish Quarter is where some of the oldest synagogues are. The Hurva Synagogue is there, and is an historic site. The synagogue was reconstructed and re-opened in 2000.
The victims
The names of the deceased victims have been released: Erez Orbach, Yael Yeku, Shir Haja, and Shira Tzur. All four victims were 20, and cadets who joined the IDF. No information has been given about the injured at this time.
