In Israel, a Jerusalem synagogue was attacked by Muslim terrorists this morning. Four people were killed, and at least six injured, by the Palestinian attackers who targeted people praying inside the place of worship. The attack was carried out with knives, meat cleavers and a gun. The Islamic terrorists were killed by police after the attack in a shootout.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the attack a "cruel murder of Jews. . . by despicable murderers." He vowed that Israel would "respond harshly."
Jerusalem has been the site of tension partially because of division over the Temple Mount, a conflict rooted in claims by both Israelites, and Muslims, over whose holy site it truly is. For Jews, the site is so holy that most will not ascend the mount, praying at the Western Wall, instead. Muslims call it the third holiest site in Islam, following Mecca and Medina (in Saudi Arabia).
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, while also calling for an end to Israeli "provocations" surrounding the sacred site.
According to the Associated Press, "Soon after the attack, clashes broke out outside the Abu Jamals' (one of the assailants) home where dozens of police had gathered to carry out arrests in connection with the attack. [Muslim] Residents hurled stones at police who responded using riot dispersal weapons."
The attack on the synagogue follows violence in recent weeks that has left six people killed. The solitary attacks in recent weeks are being considered lone wolf, committed by individual Islamists who have used cars or knives against pedestrians.
Israel's police chief states the attack on the synagogue was likely not organized by militant groups, similar to the other recent incidents, making it more difficult for security forces to prevent the violence.
"These are individuals who decide to do horrible acts. It's very hard to know ahead of time about every such incident."
American Secretary of State John Kerry says the attack can be blamed on Palestinian calls for "days of rage," and said Palestinian leaders must take serious steps to refrain from such incitement. He also urged Palestinian leaders to condemn the attack "in the most powerful terms."
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, while also calling for an end to Israeli "provocations" surrounding the sacred site.
According to the Associated Press, "Soon after the attack, clashes broke out outside the Abu Jamals' (one of the assailants) home where dozens of police had gathered to carry out arrests in connection with the attack. [Muslim] Residents hurled stones at police who responded using riot dispersal weapons."
The attack on the synagogue follows violence in recent weeks that has left six people killed. The solitary attacks in recent weeks are being considered lone wolf, committed by individual Islamists who have used cars or knives against pedestrians.
Israel's police chief states the attack on the synagogue was likely not organized by militant groups, similar to the other recent incidents, making it more difficult for security forces to prevent the violence.
"These are individuals who decide to do horrible acts. It's very hard to know ahead of time about every such incident."
American Secretary of State John Kerry says the attack can be blamed on Palestinian calls for "days of rage," and said Palestinian leaders must take serious steps to refrain from such incitement. He also urged Palestinian leaders to condemn the attack "in the most powerful terms."
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
4 Israelis killed in Jerusalem synagogue attack - Yahoo News/Associated Press
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