Firefighters rescued 10 people, four of whom needed medical attention. They were rushed to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in the city.
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The Fire Department said that their initial investigation indicated arson .Investigators also found the words "Get out of the neighborhood" sprayed on one of the walls.
The scene (Photo courtesy of the Fire and Rescue Services)
Emergency services were informed of the fire shortly after 3 am. Three fire trucks were scrambled to the scene along with Magen David Adom emergency services.
Fire Department Captain Assaf Abres said that "Whoever set this fire knew they were setting up a death trap. The point of origin was by the door, making it impossible for the tenants to escape."
Jerusalem District Police Commander Niso Shaham has formed a special taskforce to investigate the case.
"This looks like an arson attempt on an apartment which housed Eritrean migrants.
"The police it treating this will all due seriousness and will employ all means at its disposal to apprehend those responsible," a police statement said.
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat denounced the act as well.