ANT KATZ

UPDATED: Two victims die

The three-site incident began at the Shimon Hatzadik tram stop, according to Arutz Sheva. “The assailant then drove off chased by motorcycle police, and shot and wounded a woman motorist,” said a police spokesman.

The carnage ended near the Israeli national police headquarters, she said: “When the terrorist spotted the police he fired at them, and they managed to shoot and kill him.” One of the police officers was shot by the gunman and is in critical condition.

Police invesitigating at one of the shooting scenes 

Police identified the assailant as a 39-year-old Palestinian from East Jerusalem.

Jerusalem’s police chief Inspector General Roni Alsheich today called on the public to remain alert but not change its daily routine after the terror attack.

Speaking at the scene of the attack, Alsheich said that it is “not surprising” that there are those attempting to shatter the tranquility of the holidays and hurt Israeli morale. He added that the public in Jerusalem is strong and will not be deterred by such attacks.

Alsheich said that despite the attack, there is “no change in the situation assessment and no need to change behaviour.” He said that everyone planning to come to Jerusalem should come, as the police is well prepared.

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan says the attacker, who was killed by police, had an Israeli identification card.

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Attacks this year

Palestinians, many acting alone and often with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans in attacks.

During that period, at least 220 Palestinians have died in violent incidents in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Of those, 149 were identified by authorities as assailants while others were killed during clashes and protests.

Israel says anti-Israeli incitement by Palestinian officials and on social media networks is stoking the attacks.