By Taghreed Saadeh
The Palestinian Presidency condemned what it called “the terrorist attack that took place yesterday, Thursday, in the city of Manchester, targeting innocent civilians,” emphasizing its full rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, regardless of their source or motives.
In a statement released today and reported by the Palestinian News Agency, the Presidency affirmed its firm rejection of targeting civilians in their homes, places of worship, or any other locations.
The statement reiterated that “solidarity with the Palestinian people or others should never be used to justify acts of violence or anti-Semitic actions, which we reject as they contradict our humanitarian and ethical values.”
The Presidency expressed that the Palestinian people، leadership, government, and citizens، extend their deepest condolences to the government and people of the United Kingdom, as well as to the families of all victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
On Thursday, an attack targeted a Jewish synagogue in the Crumpsall district of Manchester, United Kingdom, resulting in the deaths of three people and leaving three others seriously injured.
Officials reported that the attacker arrived at the site in a car before assaulting bystanders with a knife. He was killed by police gunfire, and it was later revealed that the device he was wearing was not explosive.
Authorities confirmed that the attack occurred during Yom Kippur, the most important day in the Jewish religious calendar.
Police identified the attacker as Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent who entered the UK as a child and obtained citizenship in 2006. Three other individuals were arrested on suspicion of involvement in planning the attack.
In a related development, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who visited the scene, announced that the government would intensify measures to combat anti-Semitism following the armed attack on the synagogue in Manchester.
Speaking on Times Radio, Home Secretary Mahmood said, “We will double our efforts,” affirming the government’s commitment to a comprehensive review of all current policies and initiatives aimed at combating anti-Semitism in the country.
Regarding investigations, Mahmood confirmed that authorities are working to determine the attacker’s motives, noting that three other individuals are in custody on suspicion of planning or inciting terrorist acts.
She also strongly criticized pro-Palestinian demonstrations planned in the aftermath of the attack, describing them as “un-British” and “dishonorable,” calling on demonstrators to cancel these events out of respect for the victims and the feelings of the Jewish community.
For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” targeting the Jewish community. He affirmed that the government will do everything possible to ensure the safety of the Jewish community in the UK, stressing that “there is no place for hatred in Britain” and that this attack is an assault on the values of British society as a whole.
Regarding investigations, Starmer noted that authorities are working to determine the motives behind the attack and emphasized that all responsible parties will be held accountable. He also announced enhanced security measures in Jewish places of worship across the country to ensure the safety of worshippers.
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