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A 20-year-old Israeli police officer was lightly wounded on Sunday evening in a stabbing attack at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The incident, which took place in one of the most frequented and sensitive locations in the city, marks another episode in the ongoing tensions in the area.
According to Israeli media reports, the stabbing occurred around 6:30 p.m. as crowds gathered near the Damascus Gate, a historic and popular entry point into the Old City.
The officer was immediately assisted by fellow security personnel, with Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical teams arriving swiftly on the scene.
The MDA reported that the officer was fully conscious following the attack and sustained only mild injuries. “We treated a young male with a stab wound in mild condition.”
“He was fully alert when we arrived,” said one of the paramedics at the scene. The officer was transported to Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment, though his condition was not life-threatening.
Police Response
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Israel Border Police confirmed that the attacker was shot at the scene by a responding officer.
“The assailant attempted to flee but was quickly neutralized by one of our officers, preventing further harm,” the spokesperson said.
The attacker’s identity and possible motives are still under investigation, though early indications suggest a politically or religiously motivated attack. No further injuries to civilians or security personnel were reported.
Damascus Gate has long been a flashpoint for violence, particularly given its location in East Jerusalem, an area marked by heightened Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Security forces in the area are frequently targeted by attackers seeking to make political statements.
Emergency Services on High Alert
In response to the attack, Jerusalem’s emergency services and security forces were put on heightened alert.
Damascus Gate and its surrounding areas were temporarily closed off to civilians as police and military personnel swept the area for any further threats.
Police are conducting routine searches and questioning witnesses in an effort to gather more details about the attacker.
This latest incident is one of several violent episodes involving stabbings, particularly at or near significant landmarks in Jerusalem.
Over recent years, the area around Damascus Gate has become the site of repeated lone-wolf attacks on Israeli security personnel, prompting authorities to increase their presence at key locations around the Old City.
MDA paramedics, who frequently respond to such events, praised the quick reaction of the officers at the scene for minimizing potential casualties.
“We are relieved that the injury was not severe and that we could provide prompt assistance. However, the situation underscores the constant risks faced by our security forces,” an MDA representative added.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
Public officials, including the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, have condemned the attack and praised the actions of the officers involved.
“These cowardly acts of violence will not intimidate us or disrupt the peace of our city. We stand strong with our security personnel who put their lives on the line daily,” Lion said in a statement.
This latest attack comes amid rising tensions across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where violent confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians have become more frequent. While the motive for the stabbing is still unclear, it adds to an already volatile situation.
As investigations continue, Israeli police have vowed to increase patrols and security measures in and around Jerusalem’s Old City to prevent further attacks, ensuring both local residents and tourists remain safe.