Seven Palestinians were arrested on suspicion of being involved in three assaults on Jews at the east Talpiot (Armon Hanatziv) Promenade in Jerusalem, it was cleared for publication on Tuesday.
The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court extended their remand for the third time on Tuesday. Three of the suspects, residents of Abu Tor, are minors.
The first attack was allegedly carried out on June 23 after Ramadan prayers. A Jewish couple strolling on the promenade fell victim to the attackers, suspected of beating them using brass knuckles. Witnesses say the couple had a dagger on them which they did not use. The man fainted on the spot.
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Palestinians arrested for assaulting Jews in Jerusalem (Photo: Amit Shavi)
(צילום: עמית שאבי "ידיעות אחרונות")
A few days later, on Friday, a youth was attacked by five Palestinians while jogging. The next day, another couple was attacked in the evening with clubs by five Palestinians. The attackers also held the man's kippa over his head.
After police noticed the events shared similar characteristics, Jerusalem District Police Commander, Maj.-Gen. Moshe Edery, tasked the Central Unit with the investigation.
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Armon Hanatziv Promenade where the attacks took place (Bastian Sheiner)
(צילום: בסטיאן שיינר )
The district commander said: "These were serious attacks against civilians wishing to enjoy themselves. The professional and determined work of Jerusalem's Central Unit combined with the operational district forces and Jerusalem Border Police units led to the rapid arrest of the suspects."
A few months ago, Arab youths threw stones at Meir Nakar Street in the east Talpiot area, near Jabal Mukaber. There were no casualties, but a parked vehicle was damaged. Border Police forces called to the scene dispersed the protesters, after being attacked with stones themselves. Last December, a Molotov cocktail was thrown on a balcony in the neighborhood and caused a fire in the apartment. The apartment was damaged.