Two police officers injured in stabbing attack near Temple Mount

The attack was the second in the Old City of Jerusalem in as many days. Hamas took responsibility for the latest attack.

 An ambulance arrives at the scene of a stabbing attack in Jerusalem's Old City on March 7, 2021. (photo credit: MDA OPERATIONAL COVERAGE)
An ambulance arrives at the scene of a stabbing attack in Jerusalem's Old City on March 7, 2021.
(photo credit: MDA OPERATIONAL COVERAGE)

Two Israel Police officers were moderately injured in a stabbing attack near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday evening, with Hamas taking responsibility for the attack.

According to police, the attacker exited the Temple Mount, pulled out a knife and assaulted the two police officers. The officers responded by shooting at the terrorist, killing him. The two officers were transferred for medical treatment.

The attack happened near the Cotton Merchants' Gate, one of the entrances to the Temple Mount. 

Security camera footage of a stabbing attack which targeted police near the Temple Mount, March 8, 2022. (Credit: Israel Police)

The area was cordoned off and large police forces arrived at the scene and began collecting evidence. A situation assessment was carried out at the scene by Jerusalem police district head Doron Turgeman and Border Police Commander Amir Cohen.

Hamas took responsibility for the attack later in the evening, saying that the terrorist, who was from Jalazone, a Palestinian village near Beit El, was a member of the organization.

"The successive resistance operations in occupied Jerusalem ignite the fire under the feet of the occupation, and warn it not to commit more foolishness and intrusion against Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa," said Hamas.

 A knife used in a stabbing attack on March 7, 2022 in which two Israel Police officers were injured. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
A knife used in a stabbing attack on March 7, 2022 in which two Israel Police officers were injured. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

The attack on Monday evening comes just a day after a stabbing attack targeted police officers near Bab al-Huta in Jerusalem's Old City.

"Terrorists and extreme elements will continue to attempt to ignite the area and Jerusalem's policemen and policewoman will continue to be alert and prepared," Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev wrote on Twitter on Monday. 

"Once again a disaster was avoided due to a quick and determined response. I wish a speedy recovery to the two injured officers," he wrote.

Turgeman, Cohen and Israel Police chief Kobi Shabtai decided on Monday evening to provide reinforcements to the Old City district, with dozens of Border Police and Israel Police officers to join the forces already in the area in the near future, according to KAN news.


Stay updated with the latest news!

Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter


During March, a Border Police battalion operating in the Old City will receive 50 additional officers who will operate through Ramadan, which is set to begin in April this year.

Tzvi Joffre contributed to this report.