Hamas praises deadly Jerusalem attack 'carried out by three martyrs'

Border Police officer Hadas Malka, 23, was rushed to hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds during the attack. Hospital officials later pronounced her death.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Palestinian Hamas militants take part in a memorial service for senior militant Mazen Fuqaha, in Gaza City March 27, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)
Palestinian Hamas militants take part in a memorial service for senior militant Mazen Fuqaha, in Gaza City March 27, 2017.
(photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)
Only hours after the Friday's terror attack in Jerusalem that killed Border Police officer Hadas Malka, Gaza-based terrorist organization Hamas praised the bloodshed.
In a Facebook post by Hamas spokesperson Hazim Qassim, the statement said, "The sacrificial operation in Jerusalem is another indication that our Palestinian people is continuing its revolution in the face of the usurping occupier."
"The occupation’s crime in killing the three young men in occupied Jerusalem confirms once again that the occupation’s real face is of terrorism and extremism in contrast to a people exercising its right of self defense and defense of its holy sites," the statement continued.
"The occupation’s crime today in Jerusalem revealed the insistence of the Palestinian Authority on negotiations with the occupation is outside of the national context. And the insistence of the PA on the policy of security cooperation is a national crime."
"The sacrificial operation in Jerusalem that was carried out by three martyrs in Jerusalem confirms that the PA’s attempt to make the relationship with the occupier 'a normal relationship' is a failure. The Palestinian youth will continue to characterize the occupation as its single enemy. There is no resolution with it except for the end of its occupation of our land and people," the statement concluded.
Staff Sergeant Major Hadas Malka, 23, was taken to the emergency care unit at nearby Hadassah University Medical Center in critical condition after sustaining multiple stab wounds during the attack. Hospital officials later pronounced her dead after failing to save her life.
Police said that the suspects used an "automatic weapon and knives" during the assault.
Two individuals were also evacuated to Hadassah University Medical Center in moderate and light condition after sustaining wounds from the event. The hospital said it was treating another patient for shock.
A police spokesperson said that the three terrorists were "shot and killed" following the attacks. Police added that at least one of the suspects used an automatic weapon and "opened fire" during the incident.
They were later named as 19-year-old Bara Ibrahim Muhammad Saleh; Adel Hassan Ahmad Anakush, 18; and Osama Ahmad Mustafa Atta, 19, according to a statement released by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).
All three had "a background in terrorist activities," or were arrested by Israeli authorities before Friday's assault, the Shin Bet added.