Two Israeli policemen were killed during the shooting Friday in the Old city of Jerusalem, near one of the most important religious sites in the world.

A spokesman for the Israeli police Mickey Rosenfeld said that three armed attackers, whom he identified as terrorists attacked a police division in the area. According to Rosenfeld, all three of the attackers were shot dead, and the area was closed. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

"I can confirm that two police officers who were previously in critical condition died of his wounds in hospital," said Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld said the two assailants were "the Israeli Arabs of Umm El Fahm in Northern Israel". Police have released images of what, according to them, was a weapon used by enemies, including knife, gun and improvised automatic firearms.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. local time at Lion's gate in Old town walls beside the fact that Muslims call the Noble Sanctuary and Jews call the Temple mount. This area is part of the wall around the Second Jewish temple and one of the holiest places for Jews to pray and the dome of the Rock, where Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Currently, the place is cordoned off and there are police units, the area remains closed for security, said Rosenfeld. This means that the Muslims will not be able to hold Friday prayers, since the al-Aqsa mosque is in a closed area. Friday in Jerusalem is often a period of increased security, because it is the Holy day of the week for Muslims.
sections: World News, Accidents, Accidents