Jump to content

2023 Neve Yaakov shooting: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 31°50′17″N 35°14′19″E / 31.83806°N 35.23861°E / 31.83806; 35.23861
Extended-protected article
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Unreliable source, unrelated to the attack. Some of this might be included in the article on Neve Yaakov, though.
Tag: Reverted
rv - not unreliable according to the community, and the article is titled: "Contextualizing the shooting in Neve Yaakov", so how it is unrelated is unclear
Line 57: Line 57:


==Background==
==Background==
===Location===
[[Neve Yaakov]], the location where the attack took place, is an [[Israeli settlement]] in occupied [[East Jerusalem]] established in 1972 on land illegally expropriated from three neighboring Palestinian towns: [[Beit Hanina]], Al-Ram & Dahiyeh Al-Barid and [[Hizma]].<ref name=Mondo/> The settlement was built under plans presented by the [[ultranationalist]] [[Kach (political party)|Kach]] leader [[Meir Kahane]].<ref name=Mondo/> Neve Yaakov, together with the neighboring settlements of [[Ramot]], [[Pisgat Ze’ev]], and [[Pisgat Amir]], form part of a belt of Jewish-only settlements interspersed among the area's existing Palestinian neighborhoods to prevent their expansion.<ref name=Mondo>{{cite news |url=https://mondoweiss.net/2023/02/contextualizing-the-shooting-in-neve-yaakov/ |title=Contextualizing the shooting in Neve Yaakov |work=[[Mondoweiss]] |first=Jalal |last=Abukhater |date=2 February 2023}}</ref>

Neve Yaakov is also the location of the the [[Israeli Defence Force]]'s [[Central Command (Israel)|Central Command]], which is the military based from which Israel commands the military forces in charge of the occupation of the West Bank.<ref name=Mondo/> The commander of this base is the military official empowered with the authority to permit new settlements, and to sanction the demolition of Palestinian homes.<ref name=Mondo/> This installation sits "directly adjacent" to the street where the attack was carried out.<ref name=Mondo/>

=== Perpetrator ===
The attacker was identified as Khairi Alqam, a 21-year-old resident of East Jerusalem.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="axios">{{cite web |last1=Ravid |first1=Barak |title=At least 7 Israelis killed in shooting attack at Jerusalem synagogue |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/01/27/jerusalem-synagogue-attack-israel-palestinian-tensions |website=axios.com |date=27 January 2023 |publisher=Axios |access-date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202131156/https://www.axios.com/2023/01/27/jerusalem-synagogue-attack-israel-palestinian-tensions |url-status=live }}</ref> An eighteen year-old relative of his was killed two days prior to the attack by Israeli authorities after he reportedly threatened them with a gun which turned out to be a toy.<ref name=faz>{{cite news |work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |title=Tote in Israel: Zwei Angriffe kurz nacheinander in Ostjerusalem |date=1 January 1970 |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/zwei-angriffe-kurz-nacheinander-in-ostjerusalem-18637003.html |language=de |access-date=29 January 2023 |last1=Meier |first1=Christian |last2=Aviv |first2=Tel |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202131156/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/zwei-angriffe-kurz-nacheinander-in-ostjerusalem-18637003.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The attacker was identified as Khairi Alqam, a 21-year-old resident of East Jerusalem.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="axios">{{cite web |last1=Ravid |first1=Barak |title=At least 7 Israelis killed in shooting attack at Jerusalem synagogue |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/01/27/jerusalem-synagogue-attack-israel-palestinian-tensions |website=axios.com |date=27 January 2023 |publisher=Axios |access-date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202131156/https://www.axios.com/2023/01/27/jerusalem-synagogue-attack-israel-palestinian-tensions |url-status=live }}</ref> An eighteen year-old relative of his was killed two days prior to the attack by Israeli authorities after he reportedly threatened them with a gun which turned out to be a toy.<ref name=faz>{{cite news |work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |title=Tote in Israel: Zwei Angriffe kurz nacheinander in Ostjerusalem |date=1 January 1970 |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/zwei-angriffe-kurz-nacheinander-in-ostjerusalem-18637003.html |language=de |access-date=29 January 2023 |last1=Meier |first1=Christian |last2=Aviv |first2=Tel |archive-date=2 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202131156/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/zwei-angriffe-kurz-nacheinander-in-ostjerusalem-18637003.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


Revision as of 10:45, 6 February 2023

2023 East Jerusalem synagogue shooting
Part of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict
The car in which the perpetrator was shot while fleeing
LocationNeve Yaakov, East Jerusalem
Coordinates31°50′17″N 35°14′19″E / 31.83806°N 35.23861°E / 31.83806; 35.23861
Date27 January 2023 (2023-01-27)
8:13 p.m. (UTC+2:00)
Attack type
Mass shooting
Deaths8 (including the perpetrator)
Injured3
AssailantKhairi Alqam

On 27 January 2023, a Palestinian[1] gunman killed at least seven people in the Israeli settlement[2][3][4][5] of Neve Yaakov,[6][7][8] in East Jerusalem. The suspect is also reported as having shot at worshippers exiting a synagogue, and, according to the police, was shot and killed after he opened fire on the attending officers.[9] It was Israel's deadliest peacetime Palestinian attack since the Jerusalem yeshiva attack in 2008.[10]

Palestinian militant groups did not claim the suspect as a member, but called the attack a natural retaliation for the raid in Jenin the day prior that killed 10 Palestinians, while the Palestinian Authority blamed the Israeli government for "dangerous escalation".[11]

Many nations and international organizations issued statements condemning the attack while others called for restraint.[12] Palestinian and Israeli sources stated that between 42 and 50 people had been arrested since the attack, mostly family members of the perpetrator.[13][14]

Attack

According to Haaretz, the attacker first walked 200 metres past the Neve Yaakov synagogue and killed 4 passersby and a motorcyclist. Then, people who had heard the shots began to emerge from the synagogue and the attacker fired at them and then on the way back to his car, killed two more people at an intersection.[15]

The gunman then fled the scene towards the Palestinian neighborhood of Beit Hanina, where he was confronted by police officers and shot dead after opening fire on them while attempting to flee on foot.[10]

Seven people were killed in the attack, five men and two women. The victims ranged from ages 14 to 68.[16] At least 3 other people were wounded.[10][8] One of the women killed was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to have been a Ukrainian citizen.[17]

According to some local residents, it took 20 minutes for the police to arrive at the scene of the attack. Some individuals expressed their disappointment with the response time. However, the police denied the claim and asserted that officers arrived at the scene and killed the gunman within five minutes of receiving the first reports of gunfire.[10] The shooting took place on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.[relevant?][citation needed]

Background

Location

Neve Yaakov, the location where the attack took place, is an Israeli settlement in occupied East Jerusalem established in 1972 on land illegally expropriated from three neighboring Palestinian towns: Beit Hanina, Al-Ram & Dahiyeh Al-Barid and Hizma.[18] The settlement was built under plans presented by the ultranationalist Kach leader Meir Kahane.[18] Neve Yaakov, together with the neighboring settlements of Ramot, Pisgat Ze’ev, and Pisgat Amir, form part of a belt of Jewish-only settlements interspersed among the area's existing Palestinian neighborhoods to prevent their expansion.[18]

Neve Yaakov is also the location of the the Israeli Defence Force's Central Command, which is the military based from which Israel commands the military forces in charge of the occupation of the West Bank.[18] The commander of this base is the military official empowered with the authority to permit new settlements, and to sanction the demolition of Palestinian homes.[18] This installation sits "directly adjacent" to the street where the attack was carried out.[18]

Perpetrator

The attacker was identified as Khairi Alqam, a 21-year-old resident of East Jerusalem.[10][19] An eighteen year-old relative of his was killed two days prior to the attack by Israeli authorities after he reportedly threatened them with a gun which turned out to be a toy.[20]

Alqam's grandfather, whom he was named after, was killed in the 1997–99 Jerusalem stabbings alongside three other Palestinians in 1998 of which the suspect is Haim Ferelman, an Israeli settler and member of the Kach movement.[20][21]

Musa Alqam, the father of the attacker, said he had no knowledge of his son having planned for such an attack or if he was motivated by revenge.[22] He told Arab media he was proud of his son, and said that "Today is his wedding. I married him today. God will help me and make him better tomorrow."[23][24][25]

Israeli response

Israel police at the scene.

Palestinian and Israeli sources stated that between 42 and 50 people have been arrested since the attack, mostly members of the family of the perpetrator.[13][14] Additionally, Israel is planning on demolishing the perpetrator's house. On 28 January, his home was evacuated and sealed in preparation for demolition.[26]

Following the attack, the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, reported that the Cabinet was pushing to strip the residency and citizenship rights of the families of the perpetrator of this attack and others, and also possibly forcibly deport them from the country to the occupied West Bank.[22] The office also said social security benefits would be cancelled for the families of attackers.[27]

Human rights groups pointed out that such measures are collective punishment.[22] The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the measures a "grave violations of international law, the Geneva Conventions, a collective punishment, and an extension of the Israeli policies aimed at affecting the Palestinian presence in Jerusalem."[28]

Netanyahu himself pledged a "strong, swift and precise" response,[29] and also announced plans to make it easier for Israelis to obtain firearms.[27]

Palestinian response

Fireworks were lit in Gaza and the West Bank by some Palestinians in celebration of the attack.

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority, published a statement saying that "the government of Israel is fully responsible for this dangerous escalation."[30]

Palestinian militant groups called the attack a retaliation for the Jenin raid. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem referred to the attack as "jihadist and resistance action in the city of Jerusalem" and stated that the battle against the occupation "continues and continues".[31] PIJ spokesman Tariq Ezz El-Din praised what he referred to as a "suicide operation" in response to the "Jenin massacre" the day prior.[31]

Dozens of Palestinians congregated in impromptu gatherings across the Gaza Strip to celebrate the attack. Similar celebrations, including fireworks, sweets, gunfire and car honking, were reported in the West Bank cities of Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron, and the East Jerusalem locality of Beit Hanina.[2][32][6][33]

International reactions

Many nations and international organizations issued statements of condemnation following the shooting attack.[12] According to two UN diplomats, it was also unanimously condemned by the 15 members of the UN Security Council in a closed session.[34]

By country

  •  France – The French government issued a statement that "France condemns in the strongest terms the appalling terrorist attack that targeted a synagogue in Jerusalem, killing at least seven people and injuring many more [...] This attack against civilians, at the time of prayer, and on the day of the international commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust is particularly despicable. France stands alongside the victims of this attack, as well as their families. In a context of growing tensions, we call on all parties to avoid actions that could fuel the spiral of violence".[35]
  •  Germany – Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor said "There have been deaths and people wounded in the heart of Israel", and added he was "deeply shocked" by the "terrible" attacks. "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Germany stands by the side of Israel".[12]
  •  India – Arindam Bagchi, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, stated: “We strongly condemn last night's terror attack in Jerusalem. We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish the injured a speedy recovery".[36]
  •  Jordan – Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned the deadly shooting attack, and called on the parties to "stop all unilateral steps and provocations that encourage an escalation."[37]
  •  Saudi Arabia – In an unusual move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that "the situation between Palestinians and Israelis will slide into further serious escalation," and added that "the Kingdom condemns all targeting of civilians."[37][38]
  •  Turkey – Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs release a statement saying: “We strongly condemn the terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem where many people lost their lives. We offer our condolences to the families of the victims, the Israeli government and people. We wish a speedy recovery to the wounded".[35]
  •  United Arab Emirates – UAE Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement expressing "its strong condemnation of the criminal act and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of human values and principles."[35]
  •  United Kingdom – James Cleverly, UK Foreign Secretary said: “To attack worshippers at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day, and during Shabbat, is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends.”[39] UK ambassador in Israel Neil Wigan wrote: “I am appalled by reports of the terrible attack in Neve Yaakov tonight. Attacking worshippers at a synagogue on Erev Shabat is a particularly horrific act of terrorism. The UK stands with Israel".[6]
  •  United States – Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State said: "Our thoughts are with the Israeli people following the terrorist attack in Jerusalem. It is particularly tragic on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We condemn this attack and express our condolences to the victims' families. May their memory be a blessing".[35]
  • The attack was also condemned and condolences were extended by foreign ministers from Poland, Sweden, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Japan.[39]

Other entities

  •  European Union – Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU stated that "The European Union fully recognizes Israel's legitimate security concerns, as evidenced by the latest terrorist attacks, but it has to be stressed that lethal force must only be used as a last resort when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect life".[12] EU ambassador to Israel, Dimiter Tzantchev, condemned the shootings. He described them as "senseless violence," and added, "Terror is never the answer."[6]
  •  United Nations – António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated that "It is particularly abhorrent that the attack occurred at a place of worship, and on the very day we commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day. There is never any excuse for acts of terrorism. They must be clearly condemned and rejected by all".[35]

See also

References

  1. ^ Rubin, Shira (27 January 2023). "At least 5 killed in Jerusalem synagogue shooting". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Palestinian gunman kills 7 near Jerusalem synagogue". AP NEWS. 27 January 2023. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  3. ^ Breiner, Josh (27 January 2023). "Seven Dead, Three Wounded in East Jerusalem Synagogue Shooting Attack". Haaretz.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  4. ^ "Gunman kills at least 5 people in East Jerusalem attack". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  5. ^ Kingsley, Patrick; Rosen, Jonathan (27 January 2023). "At Least 7 Killed in Attack in Jewish Area of East Jerusalem". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d Greene, Richard Allen; Gold, Hadas; Tal, Amir; John, Tara (27 January 2023). "At least seven dead in Jerusalem synagogue attack, Israeli police say". CNN. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  7. ^ Zaig, Gadi. "Seven killed, 10 injured in synagogue in Jerusalem terror attack". The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com. Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  8. ^ a b Kermani, Secunder (27 January 2023). "Eight people killed in shooting at a Jerusalem synagogue". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  9. ^ Estrin, Daniel (27 January 2023). "At least 7 people killed in a Jerusalem synagogue shooting". NPR. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d e Fabian, Emanuel (27 January 2023). "Palestinian terrorist shoots 7 dead in 'murderous rampage' near Jerusalem synagogue". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  11. ^ Chacar, Henriette; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal; Al-Mughrabi, Nidal (27 January 2023). "Seven killed in synagogue attack as West Bank violence spirals". Reuters. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d Fabian, Emanuel; staff, T. O. I. (28 January 2023). "Palestinian Authority: Israel 'fully responsible' for 'dangerous escalation'". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Since the attack in Jerusalem last night, Israeli occupation forces have detained some 50 Palestinians – Commission". WAFA Agency. 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  14. ^ a b Rubin, Shira (28 January 2023). "Second Jerusalem shooting of Israelis puts region on high alert". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  15. ^ "Six Minutes of Terror: How the Deadliest Attack in Israel in Recent Years Unfolded". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  16. ^ "The 7 victims of Jerusalem terror shooting named; include teen and synagogue sexton". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  17. ^ "Zelenskiy says Ukrainian woman killed in Jerusalem attacks". Reuters. 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  18. ^ a b c d e f Abukhater, Jalal (2 February 2023). "Contextualizing the shooting in Neve Yaakov". Mondoweiss.
  19. ^ Ravid, Barak (27 January 2023). "At least 7 Israelis killed in shooting attack at Jerusalem synagogue". axios.com. Axios. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.
  20. ^ a b Meier, Christian; Aviv, Tel (1 January 1970). "Tote in Israel: Zwei Angriffe kurz nacheinander in Ostjerusalem". Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (in German). Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  21. ^ "Palestinian shooter was named after grandfather killed by Israeli settler". Middle East Eye. 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  22. ^ a b c "Israel prepares to demolish home of Palestinian gunman who killed 7 in East Jerusalem". PBS NewsHour. 29 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  23. ^ "אב המחבל שרצח 7 יהודים בירושלים: "שמח שהוא עשה זאת, זה כמו חתונה"". Now 14 (in Hebrew). 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  24. ^ "N12 – אביו של המחבל: "זו השמחה שלי, כמו החתונה שלו"". N12 (in Hebrew). 28 January 2023. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  25. ^ "موقع خبرني : بالفيديو .. والد الشهيد خيري علقم: اليوم عرسه أنا زوّجته اليوم". موقع خبرني (in Arabic). Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  26. ^ Breiner, Josh; Lis, Jonahtan (29 January 2023). "Israel Seals Off Home of Jerusalem Synagogue Shooter in Preparation for Demolition". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  27. ^ a b "Netanyahu announces plans to arm Israelis after Jerusalem attack". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  28. ^ "Palestine condemns Israeli punitive measures after Jerusalem attack". aa.com. 30 January 2023. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  29. ^ Lubell, Maayan (29 January 2023). "Israel promises swift response to synagogue shooting". Reuters. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  30. ^ "Israel at Fault for Escalation in Security Situation, Palestinian President Abbas Says". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  31. ^ a b i24NEWS. "Israel: 7 murdered in east Jerusalem terror attack, assailant 'neutralized'". I24news. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ i24NEWS. "Palestinian towns celebrate murder of 7 Israelis in Jerusalem synagogue attack". I24news. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ staff, T. O. I.; Agencies. "Palestinians celebrate deadly terror shooting in Jerusalem with fireworks, sweets". www.timesofisrael.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  34. ^ Magid, Jacob (28 January 2023). "Jerusalem attack unanimously condemned at UN Security Council session on conflict". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
  35. ^ a b c d e i24NEWS. "World leaders condemn 'heinous' Jerusalem synagogue massacre". I24news. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (28 January 2023). "India condemns attack at Jerusalem synagogue". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  37. ^ a b Khoury, Jack; Samuels, Ben (28 January 2023). "Saudi Arabia 'Condemns All Targeting of Civilians' After Deadly East Jerusalem Synagogue Attack". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  38. ^ "Riyadh condemns terror attack against Israelis in unusual move". anews. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2023.
  39. ^ a b Fulbright, Alexander; Magid, Jacob (27 January 2023). "Washington, UN, UAE, many others condemn 'heinous, tragic' Jerusalem terror shooting". The Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2023.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2023_Neve_Yaakov_shooting&oldid=1137775744"