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Terror Attack in Jerusalem -- UPDATE
BULLETIN 22 JULY 2008: IN A SECOND "COPY CAT" TERROR ATTACK an East Jerusalem Arab working at a construction site rammed his bulldozer into a city bus and 6 private cars. So far 23 have been reported injured, one of them critically. A young boy has had to have his leg amputated as a result of the attack. It appears that this attacker, too, has a criminal record. It seems that handing them the keys to a bulldozer is as bad as handing them a gun. *****************************
Taking control of the bulldozer
3 dead, 2 critically injured and 42 moderately to lightly injured as an Arab terrorist uses a bulldozer to smash cars and buses and run over those on foot in central Jerusalem!
A terrorist climbed aboard a bulldozer and aimed it at an packed city bus, turning it over with a huge gaping wound in its side. Another bus was damaged. He then went back and forth aiming at the people walking and cars driving on one of the main roads in central Jerusalem. One car was completely flattened, killing the driver, at least 6 others were flattened. Israel radio reported that, after one policeman wrestled with him trying physically to stop him, a young off-duty soldier grabbed the sidearm of the policeman and shot the driver at close range, finally stopping the bulldozer.
All pictures from Channel 2 broadcast
As of an hour following the attack, hospitals reported 4 dead, 6 severely to moderately injured, with another 30 lightly injured. The hospitals were trying to identify the parents of 2 babies rescued and one mother and infant who were both injured were being treated. These numbers may yet change as one car remains directly under the bulldozer.
The rampage covered about a quarter of a kilometer in a very busy area of the city. A few reporters from the Israel Broadcast Authority nearby provided eye witness reports. There had been no warning of an attack in Jerusalem. The Arab had an Israeli citizenship, was a married father of two, and was a resident of east Jerusalem who worked for the construction company. He was known to the security services who have not yet identified co-conspirators.
No terror groups have claimed responsibility, Hamas has issued praise for the attacker but denied responsibility. It must “show” that it is keeping the truce (in spite of missiles fired nearly every day at the Negev).
At the same time, -- Israel Television is reporting that Gaza Arabs have broken through the Rafiah Crossing between Gaza and Egypt.
It is interesting to note the earlier headlines now appearing under the first notice of the terror attack on their internet sites were of Israeli attempts to bring peace.
Early morning top headlines from the Jerusalem Post prior to the attack:
Israel reopens crossings into Gaza
Syria and Israel close to direct talks
Israel Responds to Hamas Missiles