Abbas condemns attack on \’Jewish worshippers in their place of prayer\’

 

"The presidency condemns the attack on Jewish worshippers in their place of prayer, and condemned the killing of civilians no matter who is responsible," said a statement from Abbas\’ office.

 

"We condemn all acts of violence from all sources, and demand an end to the invasions of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the provocations of settlers and the incitement by some ministers in the Israeli government."

 

The statement said that, "It\’s time to end the occupation and to put an end to everything that makes violence and tension."

 

US Secretary of State John Kerry had demanded that the Palestinain leadership condemn the attack "to take serious steps to restrain any kind of incitement." 

 

Meanwhile, clashes broke out Tuesday morning in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber, home to the two terrorists who carried out the brutal attack.

 

The violence erupted after Israeli security forces entered the neighborhood, to investigate the attack in which four people were killed and eight wounded.

 

Those considered close to the terrorists were questioned by the Shin Bet on Tuesday morning, in order to determine the extent of their involvement in the attack.

 

The two terrorists, cousins Ghassan and Uday Abu Jamal, were close relatives of Jamal Abu Jamal, a Palestinian prisoner released by Israel as part of an agreement but rearrested two weeks ago. Checkpoints have been set up around Jerusalem, including at the entrance to the city.

 

Residents of Gaza Strip praised the brutal attack Tuesday. Fireworks were set off in celebration and from the mosques were heard chants of "Allahu Akbar" (God is most great) in honor of the attack. Islamic Jihad also issued a statement, calling the attack "a natural response to the crimes of the occupier."

 

Hamas also praised the attack and called for further "acts of revenge". An official Hamas statement said that the attack was a response to the death of bus driver Yusuf Hassan al-Ramouni, who was found hanged at a Jerusalem bus terminal Sunday night. While al-Ramouni\’s family claimed foul play, autopsy results confirmed police\’s suspicion of suicide on Monday afternoon.