France on Friday night condemned the “appalling terrorist attack” in East Jerusalem, where a shooting near a synagogue left at least seven people dead, in a Foreign Ministry press release.
“This attack against civilians, at the time of prayer and on the day of international commemoration of the victims of the Holocaust, is particularly despicable,” says the Quai d’Orsay.
“In a context of increasing tensions, we call on all parties to avoid actions that could fuel the spiral of violence,” the statement added.
“Seven civilians” were killed on Friday by an armed assailant near the synagogue in Neve Yaacov, a Jewish settlement neighborhood in East Jerusalem, part of the Holy City annexed by Israel, according to Israeli police. It adds that it is one of the “worst attacks in recent years” against the Israelis.
Police said the shooter, a 21-year-old Palestinian from East Jerusalem, was shot dead by officers after he fled in a car.
Previously, the UN had already condemned an “abject” attack, while the United States called it “appalling”.
Source: BFM TV
