Palestinian terrorist who shot 7 in Jerusalem is arrested

A Palestinian gunman who shot and injured seven civilians on Sunday has been arrested after he turned himself into police. Two people who were shot are still in critical condition including a pregnant woman whose baby was delivered by emergency c-section. The baby is in a serious but stable condition.

The suspect, Amir Sidawi, 26, handed himself into police after several members of his family were arrested following a manhunt.

In the attack which occurred overnight Saturday, Sidawi used a pistol and opened fire on a bus and cars close to a car park near the Western Wall. He then fled on foot to Silwan prompting a manhunt by Israeli security officials.

Seven people were injured in the attack including two critically.

A 35-year-old pregnant woman was one of the most severely injured. She was shot in the stomach and doctors had to perform an emergency c-section to deliver the baby. The baby is in a serious but stable condition. The mother’s injury is described as “complex”.

Also injured were four members of a Satmar Hasidic family who were on vacation in Israel form the United States. The family of four were waiting for a taxi when they were shot. The father is said to be in a serious condition, sedated and on a respirator while the mother is in a moderate condition. The children, a son and daughter, are said to be lightly wounded.

Shooting attack reported near Western Wall. At least 7 people were seriously injured in the suspected terror attack.#Israel #Jerusalem @IL_police @israelpolice pic.twitter.com/X3y5IaBscG

— Agencia AJN (@AgenciaAJN) August 13, 2022

As is expected, Palestinian terror groups praised the attack. Hamas called it “heroic” and said it was “a natural response to the occupation’s daily crimes against our people, our country and major Muslim and Christian sites.”

This is not the first time Hamas has claimed terrorism as part of defence of Christian heritage. At CUFI, we are appalled that Palestinian leaders would attempt to justify terrorism using Christianity as its cover and we completely reject this bogus claim by Hamas.

Prime Minister Yair Lapid made a statement following the arrest of the terrorist.

“Let all those who wish us evil know that they will pay a price for any harming of civilians,” he said in a statement earlier Sunday.

“Jerusalem is our capital and a center of tourism for all religions. Police forces and the IDF are working to restore calm and the feeling of security to the city,” the premier added, while wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded.

Let’s pray for those injured, especially the new mother and her baby along with the father who is in a critical condition. And let’s also lift up the Israeli Defense Forces as they continue to stand guard over Jerusalem and all of Israel. Terrorism has no place in the Holy Land.