Terror attack in Jerusalem kills 1, injures 13

JERUSALEM, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A terrorist attack near East Jerusalem killed a Border Police officer and wounded at least 13 others on Wednesday.

Ibrahim al-Akri, a 38-year-old Palestinian with Israeli citizenship who is believed to be a low-level Hamas member, was identified as the assailant by Shin Bet.

According to rescue unit head Eli Bir, the incident occurred when Akri drove his vehicle into a crowd of people, striking several pedestrians at a bus stop on Shimon Hatzadik Street before proceeding to Moshe Zaks Street, where more people were struck.

Akri then reportedly exited his car and used a metal rod to attack people before police shot and killed him.

Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum praised Akri for "this heroic operation," adding, "We call for more such ... operations."

Israel's Economy Minister Naftali Bennett blamed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas for encouraging the attack. "Abu Mazen is the driver of the death car and the terrorists his emissaries."

Wednesday's attack comes amid heightened tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem following the attempted murder of prominent right-wing activist Rabbi Yehuda Glick at the Temple Mount holy site last week.

Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians at the Temple Mount on Wednesday injured more than 15 people.