Israel closing off West Bank in wake of Jerusalem bus bombing
Published April 21, 2016
Palestinian women trying to cross the Qalandiya checkpoint on their way to Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the second week of Ramadan in the West Bank city of Al-Ram, June 26, 2015. (Flash90)
(JTA) — Israel is closing off the West Bank for the start of Passover amid fears of further terrorist attacks after a bus bombing in Jerusalem that wounded 20.
The closure will begin Thursday night and last through Saturday night.
Israel has “warnings, although not concrete” about terrorist attacks planned for the coming days, Israel’s Channel 10 reported, according to The Times of Israel. Israel is concerned about increased visits by Jews to the Temple Mount site during the eight-day Passover holiday, which begins at sundown Friday.
The Shin Bet said six people had been arrested in a manhunt conducted after Monday’s bus bombing. The attack was carried out by 19-year-old Palestinian Abed al-Hamid Abu Srour from the refugee camp al-Ayda near Bethlehem, the security service said.
Some of those arrested are from Bethlehem and are affiliated with Hamas, Channel 10 reported. Their names are under a gag order.
Six Israelis wounded in Monday’s attack remain hospitalized, including a teenage girl in serious condition.
