The terror cell behind a double bus attack in Jerusalem this morning were "home-grown" radicals as fears mount that the attacks could be part of a larger operation, the deputy mayor of Jerusalem has told the JC.
Nineteen people have been injured in two explosions in West Jerusalem this morning in what is suspected to be a double terror attack, with a further bomb defused last night on the light rail track near Jerusalem Central Bus Station around 10PM last night.
The first victim of the attack has been named as 16 year old Aryeh Shtsupak, a Canadian yeshiva student who lived in Jerusalem.
Speaking to the JC, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum said: “We believe the terrorists are homegrown in Jerusalem radicalised by extremist groups."
Hassan-Nahoum also called on Palestinian authorities to change attitudes and end the policy of 'pay for slay' of the Palestinian Authority Martyrs Fund.
Aryeh Shtsupak
Aryeh Shtsupak, age 16, was killed in the Jerusalem bombings this week
She added: "We need to put a stop once and for all to a culture of hatred and murder; an educational curriculum that is educating children to hate and kill and that is being funded by the whole world through UNRWA. And the pay for slay policy of the Palestinian Authority that gives a life’s pension for every murdered Jew.”
The first explosion was heard at 07:05 this morning, near a bus station at the Givat Sha'ul Junction on the outskirts of Jerusalem. One person was killed and another 14 people were injured at the scene and taken for medical treatment.
Police say a second explosion was heard at 07:35 near Ramot Junction in Jerusalem, near the bus station there. Three people were injured at the scene and evacuated for medical treatment.
Speaking from Shaare Zedek Hospital, Benjamin Netanyahu said: "We have a fight with brutal terrorism that is rearing its head again - and we will do everything to restore security to all Israeli citizens soon.
"I want to send my condolences in my name and in the name of all Israeli citizens to the family of the young yeshiva student Aryeh who was brutally murdered. We pray also for the well-being of the other wounded, including an Ethiopian who was injured on the day of the Eid al-Sijd"
I am shocked by the terrorist attacks this morning near Jerusalem, that killed one person and injured many others. Our deepest sympathies to those affected and their families and friends. The UK stands with Israel against terrorism.
— Neil Wigan (@FCDONeilWigan) November 23, 2022
ABOVE: A tweet from the UK's ambassador to Israel, Neil Wigan
Magen David Adom paramedics Moshe Tobolsky and Lior Levy said: "We were at the MDA station by the entrance to the city when we heard a large explosion. We immediately headed to the scene in large numbers, including ambulances, MICUs and medicycles.
"Two seriously wounded were lying nearby, a 16-year-old at the bus stop and a 45-year-old on the side of the road. A number of moderately and mildly injured victims were treated on scene."
This latest incident comes as Israel sees a wave of terror attacks, the likes of which haven't been seen in the country for a decade. IDF forces are regularly conducting raids into the West Bank where the majority of militants involved in attacks are believed to come from.
Controversial MK Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene of the attack this morning. He said: "I share in the family's grief, and wish a full recovery for all the injured and say simply: we need to break this chain, we need to exact a price for terrorism. This means returning to targeted operations. It means that this morning in the security prisons everything has to be closed, no leniencies, no more parties. No one leaves and no one comes.
"Exacting a price means stopping the payments of the Palestinian Authority that supports terrorism. It means checking where these terrorists are coming from, reaching that village, anywhere in Israel, in Judea and Samaria, and imposing a curfew. Going from house to house, looking for weapons - restoring deterrence and regain control.
Controversial MK Itamar Ben-Gvir has visited the site of this morning’s terror in West Jerusalem as fears mount of a co-ordinated terror operation.
— The Jewish Chronicle (@JewishChron) November 23, 2022
Video via @sfrantzman pic.twitter.com/ZVlsf1vGnk
"I won't talk about politics but I will say one thing: We must establish a government as soon as possible - terrorism does not wait."
James Cleverly, the UK foreign secretary, tweeted: "Horrific news coming out of Jerusalem this morning. At least 22 injured and a teenager murdered in two senseless bombing attacks.
"My thoughts are with all those affected. We must see an end to rising violence and instability in Israel and the OPTs."
Neil Wigan, the UK ambassador to Israel, tweeted: "I am shocked by the terrorist attacks this morning near Jerusalem, that killed one person and injured many others. Our deepest sympathies to those affected and their families and friends.
"The UK stands with Israel against terrorism."
READ MORE: 'I'm scared to go to school': 17-year-old speaks out after Jerusalem bombing
