Three people, all civilians in their 30s, were stabbed by two Arab terrorists in an attack Wednesday afternoon at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem.
Both terrorists were neutralized by two female Border Guard Police officers. One was reportedly shot and killed; the second was critically wounded but later was pronounced dead at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center.
Two victims have died, the third is in serious condition.
The victims have been identified as Ofer Ben-Ari (40) and Rabbi Reuven Biermacher (45), a teacher at the Aish HaTorah Yeshiva.
“Police units and forensics at the scene. Area closed off. Heightened security continues in the old city Jerusalem,” tweeted Israel Police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld in a general update to tourists and the Israeli public.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat arrived at the scene shortly after the attack. He called on everyone who wishes to travel to Jerusalem to come and visit the city. “We must return to regular life, and [we will] increase security forces in the city,” he said.
Medics from the Magen David Adom emergency medical service two of the victims to Shaare Zedek Medical Center; the third was taken to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center.
Arab media identified the terrorists as Anan Abu Habsah and Issa Assaf from Qalandia. Israeli sources have thus far only confirmed that both terrorists were from Qalandia, but have not released the names.