Two police officers, three suspects killed in shooting at Jerusalem holy site

July 14 (UPI) -- Two police officers were shot and killed Friday as they patrolled the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem, Israeli authorities said.

Three suspects, who allegedly opened fire at the officers, were themselves shot dead by police.

The gunmen walked toward a gate in Jerusalem's Old City, spotted the officers and began shooting at them, police spokeswoman Luba Simri said.

"When [the suspects] saw policemen they shot toward them and then escaped toward one of the mosques in the Temple Mount compound. A chase ensued and the three terrorists were killed by police," Simri said.

The sacred site is known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. The entire 37-acre complex, visited by religious adherents and tourists, was closed Friday after the shootings. The police officers were identified as Hail Stawi, 30, and Kaamil Snaan, 22. A third, unidentified police officer was wounded.

"Near the Lions Gate, policemen led us to three men injured with bullet wounds," statements by paramedics Israel Weingarten and Aaron Adler, cited by the Israeli television station Arutz Sheva, said. "We noticed three men in their thirties who were receiving preliminary medical treatment from fellow policemen. Two were in severe condition, we provided them with lifesaving treatment and after minutes, transferred them onto intensive care units and evacuated them to the hospital. The third victim was fully conscious. He was suffering of wounds to his neck and limbs, and following medical treatment on the scene he was also evacuated in moderate condition."

Simri said the suspects, whom she identified as terrorists, were carrying firearms.