Israel tightens security after attack

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-08-2008 09:01

Israel has imposed a security clampdown on Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Israel was on alert and Gaza braced for reprisals on Friday as crowds mourned eight teenagers killed by a Palestinian gunman at a Jewish religious school in an attack claimed by the Islamist Hamas.  (AFP/Jack Guez)

There are fears more violence could follow after a Hamas gunman killed eight students on Thursday at a prominent Jewish religious school in Jerusalem.

Israeli police has identified the gunman as an Israeli Arab living in East Jerusalem.

Thousands of people poured into Jerusalem on Friday to attend the funerals of the eight victims, who were aged between 15 and 26.

The Israeli government has condemned the attack, and police have stepped up patrols, and check-ups across the country.

The gunman was named as Ala Abu Dhaim from East Jerusalem. He held Israeli identity papers which allowed him to travel freely within the country.

But the Israeli government urged the Palestinians to do more to prevent attacks in the future.

Mark Regev, Israeli Government Spokesman, said, "They have many challenges. But nevertheless, they have capabilities. And today, we believe, they could use those current capabilities more effectively in fighting terrorism and preventing the sort of atrocity that we saw last night. "

The Palestinian side also condemned the attack, and called on Israel to resume serious peace talks with the Palestinians.

Nabil Amr, Adviser to the Palestian President, said, "If Israel really want to solve all these problems, Israel must look to the negotiations, look to Annapolis seriously to resume a serious negotiations with the Palestinians."

Militant group Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack and hailed the shooting as "heroic".

The first attack in Jerusalem for four years follows a major Israeli offensive in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip last week, which killed more than 120 Palestinians.

Thursday's shooting could further complicate U.S.-backed peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei