April 24, 2023 | Flash Brief

Palestinian Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem Wounds at Least Five

April 24, 2023 | Flash Brief

Palestinian Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem Wounds at Least Five

Latest Developments

A Palestinian terrorist wounded at least five Israelis in a car-ramming attack in Jerusalem on April 24. A civilian shot and killed the perpetrator, Khatem Najma, a 39-year-old resident of Beit Safafa in southern Jerusalem, at the scene. Najma reportedly had no prior terrorist record and suffered from mental health issues. The victims included a man in his 70s, a man in his 50s, a woman in her 30s, and two 25-year-old men. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the “terrorist attacks come with the expectations that they will overcome us and will uproot us from here, and if they could, they would murder us all. But they will not overcome us; we will overcome them. We have established an exemplary state with an exemplary army and police, at a heart-rending price.”

Expert Analysis

“Palestinian terrorists again tried to murder Israeli civilians. And, again, most Israelis will be reminded that the Palestinian goal is not an independent state living at peace with Israel but the destruction of the Jewish state. Palestinian terror has destroyed the Israeli peace movement, reminding all Israelis on their Memorial Day and ahead of their Independence Day that, whatever their internal differences, they must remain united against their enemies.” Mark Dubowitz, FDD CEO

“U.S. policy needs to refocus on helping Israel combat terrorism, instead of turning a blind eye to terror sponsorship, enablement, and incitement. That means maximum pressure on terror sponsors in Tehran, ending financial payments by the Palestinian Authority to the families of terrorists, and holding Amman accountable for incitement and arms trafficking.” Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

Terrorists Arrested as Iran-backed Militants Foment Chaos in West Bank,” FDD Flash Brief

Mapping Terrorism in the West Bank,” by Joe Truzman

Issues:

Israel Jihadism Palestinian Politics