An Israeli soldier was killed at an outpost in East Jerusalem. (Representative)
Jerusalem:
The Israeli military said on Sunday that an Israeli soldier was shot dead in an overnight attack on a checkpoint in East Jerusalem.
A police spokesman had earlier announced that they were looking for an attacker who had “shot and seriously injured two Israelis” at a checkpoint near the Shuafat Palestinian refugee camp.
A third person, whose nationality was not specified, was killed by “shrapnel” — the emergency medical services equivalent of Israel’s Red Cross — according to Magan David Adom (Mada).
On Sunday morning, the Israeli military confirmed in a brief statement that “one[Israeli Defense Force soldier]was killed as a result of being grievously wounded by a shooting attack”.
“The soldier was taken to the hospital for further medical treatment, and was declared brought dead.”
After the attack, blood-soaked stones were covered at a checkpoint in Israel-linked East Jerusalem, which was sealed and sealed with red police tape.
Dozens of officers were stationed around the crossing and inside the refugee camp, where fireworks were set off.
The force said it has deployed a helicopter and special forces as part of the search operation. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its medics were being prevented from entering the Shuafat refugee camp.
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called the shooting a “serious” attack.
“My heart goes out to the injured and their families this evening. Terror will not defeat us, we are strong even in this difficult evening,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Israel has controlled East Jerusalem since the 1967 Six-Day War and subsequently annexed the region in a move not recognized internationally.
Earlier on Saturday, the Red Crescent said its medics treated five people near the old city of East Jerusalem who had been killed by a rubber-coated bullet.
Israeli police said the force arrested seven children and one adult on suspicion of “participating in disturbance, throwing stones and attacking police officers”, resulting in mild injuries to one officer.
Crowds of Muslims had previously gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem for celebrations to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Palestinian scouts parade through the old town before reaching the holy site, which is also sacred to Jews as Temple Mount.
Jewish worshipers are marking a series of religious festivities, with the holiday of Sukkot beginning Sunday evening.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)