Israeli police seal off home of Jerusalem synagogue attacker
The Hindu
Funerals for the victims in Friday's shooting, the deadliest attack on Israelis since 2008, were scheduled to take place Sunday.
Israeli police on Sunday sealed up the east Jerusalem home of a Palestinian attacker who killed seven people and wounded three outside a synagogue, one of several punitive measures approved by Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet overnight.
The move came following a deadly weekend in which seven people were killed and five others wounded in two separate shootings in Jerusalem, in one of the bloodiest months in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem in several years. The measures threatened to further raise tensions and cast a cloud over a visit next week by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The weekend shootings followed a deadly Israeli raid in the West Bank on Thursday that killed nine Palestinians, most of them militants. In response, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a barrage of rockets into Israel, triggering a series of Israeli airstrikes in response. In all, 32 Palestinians have been killed in fighting this month.
Addressing the Cabinet on Sunday morning, Mr. Netanyahu said that “we sealed the home of the terrorist who carried out the horrendous attack in Jerusalem, and his home will be demolished.”
“We are not seeking an escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario. Our answer to terrorism is a heavy hand and a strong, swift and precise response,” he said.
The police on Sunday released footage of Israeli army engineers welding metal plates over the windows and welding the front door shut as part of the operation in response to Friday night's deadly shooting.
Police said the attacker, identified as a 21-year-old east Jerusalem resident, was killed in a shootout with officers after fleeing the scene in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox east Jerusalem settlement of Neve Yaakov.
U.S. may soon lift sanctions on Venezuela to aid oil sales and economic recovery, says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Maduro loyalists rally in Caracas as the Venezuelan government seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. amid political turmoil.
Activists report 116 deaths in Iran protests against theocracy, amid state media's portrayal of control and casualties.
North Korea demands an explanation from South Korea over a drone incursion, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kurdish fighters in Syria agree to evacuate Aleppo under a ceasefire, transporting members to northeastern regions.
Myanmar holds the second phase of a controversial military-run election, with low turnout and criticism from international observers.
Thousands protest in Minneapolis and nationwide against ICE violence following fatal shootings, urging peaceful demonstration amid rising tensions.
Nobel Institute denies Venezuelan leader Machado's attempt to transfer Peace Prize to Trump, affirming the award's permanence.
Six killed in Mississippi shootings; suspect in custody, with authorities ensuring no further threat to the community.
Explore the U.S. strategic interests in Greenland amid geopolitical tensions and the implications for NATO and global security.
Venezuela engages in talks with the U.S. to restore diplomatic ties following the ousting of President Maduro.
Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi may call a snap election to leverage high approval ratings and strengthen her government's majority.
Netanyahu aims to reduce Israel's reliance on U.S. military aid over the next decade, seeking complete independence.