PM to Abbas: Israel will catch firebomb assailants
Two days after incident that left six Palestinians wounded, Netanyahu phones Palestinian president, promises perpetrators will be brought to justice
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday and offered his greetings for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
Netanyahu promised that Israel will spare no effort in bringing those behind the firebomb assault against Palestinians to justice.
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Police has yet to trace suspects in the incident that saw six Palestinians injured including one in serious condition.
Four of the victims are members of the same family. Jamila Riada, one of the victims, told Ynet she had seen the suspect, who is thought to be a settler.
3-year-old victim of attack (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)
"I saw him before he threw the Molotov cocktail, but I didn't expect it would hit us. Suddenly we saw fire inside the car," she recounted.
Jamila, 30, sustained injuries to her face and both hands. Her husband Ayman is in a coma and considered to be in serious condition. The couple's 3-year-old daughter was released from hospital, and their son, who was also hurt, is said to be feeling well.
Jamila Riada. Can't resume daily routine (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)
The victims, residents of the village of Nahalin near Bethlehem, were getting ready to do their shopping on Thursday when they were attacked and are having trouble coping with the trauma.
"Once I am discharged (from hospital) I have no intention of driving on the same road or any other road where racist religious people may be," Jamila said, "I don't think we can resume our daily routine after this."
Palestinian taxi after attack (Photo: Shai District Police)
"We will never be able to forget this horrible event," said Hassan Rian, aged 27. He demanded that the state bring the perpetrators to justice.
"These criminals ruined our lives. Just as the Israeli government defends them, we want to be defended too, especially seeing as we live near settlers who want to hurt us."
Hassan Rian in hospital (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)
Taxi driver Bassam Riada is also still in shock. "I never expected anything like this to happen to me. I am married with two wives and seven children. My family hasn't eaten since the day of the incident. I am very worried and can't wait to reunite with them."
Security forces investigating the incident are looking into the possibility that Jews were behind the attack, but this has not been confirmed as of yet.
Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and Police Commissioner Yohanan Danino strongly condemned the act and promised to catch the perpetrators.
Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report
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