THE ARMED WING of Palestinian militant group Hamas has claimed responsibility for a shooting attack in Jerusalem that killed six people yesterday.

The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades posted a statement on Telegram reading: “The Al-Qassam Brigades announces its responsibility for the shooting attack that took place yesterday morning… near the Ramot settlement junction, which lies on the lands of our beloved Jerusalem.”

Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop along a major road in the illegal Israeli settlement of Ramot Alon in occupied East Jerusalem yesterday morning.

At least nine people were being treated for gunshot wounds yesterday, with a number of other injuries reported at the scene.

Hamas had praised the attack, saying it was carried out by two Palestinian militants.

“We affirm that this operation is a natural response to the crimes of the occupation and the genocide it is waging against our people,” Hamas said in a statement.

The attack has been condemned by world leaders, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Micheal D Higgins. Martin said, “There can never be any justification for the killing of innocent civilians”.

Higgins described the attack as “unconscionable” and said such actions will not be of any help to the Palestinian cause.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday visited the site of the shooting.

With reporting by ©AFP