Terror attack in Jerusalem, June 16, 2017
Terror attack in Jerusalem, June 16, 2017Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90

The Islamic State (ISIS) on Friday night claimed responsibility for the stabbing and shooting attack in the Old City of Jerusalem, in which 23-year-old Border Police officer Hadas Malka was murdered.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, ISIS identified the attackers and referred to them as “lions of the Caliphate”.

If authentic, this is the first time that ISIS has claimed a terrorist attack in Israel.

Earlier on Friday, Hamas welcomed the attack but did not claim it.

In a statement, Hamas said that “the attack in Jerusalem is renewed proof of the continued revolution of the people against the occupier, and that the intifada continues until full freedom is attained.”

Friday’s attack took place around 7:30 p.m., when two terrorists armed with knives and rifles attacked people at Zedekiah's Cave. They were shot dead by security forces.

A third terrorist stabbed Malka, who was stationed at the Damascus Gate. He, too, was neutralized by security forces.

Malka was taken to the Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in critical condition, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Four other people, who suffered light and moderate injuries, were taken to the Shaarei Tzedek Hospital.

(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)