World reacts to Jerusalem terror as officers are laid to rest

The two victims of the attack were buried on Friday afternoon in their home towns in northern Israel.

JULY 14, 2017 21:42

Updated: JULY 14, 2017 22:13

Hail Stawi, killed in a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount, is buried in the village of Maghar, July 14, 2017. (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE) — Hail Stawi, killed in a terrorist attack on the Temple Mount, is buried in the village of Maghar, July 14, 2017.

(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)

The terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two Israeli police officers in Jerusalem on Friday morning has drawn reactions from across the world.

The slain officers were named as Hail Stawi, 30, from Maghar and Kamil Shanan, 22, from Hurfeish, both Druse towns in northern Israel. Both officers were buried on Friday afternoon in their home communities.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres condemned Friday’s attack and said the incident has “the potential to ignite further violence.”

“All must act responsibly to avoid escalation,” he said in a statement delivered by his spokesperson. “The thoughts and prayers of the Secretary-General are with the families of the victims, and he wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres‏ (Reuters)

“The Secretary-General welcomes the swift condemnation of this attack by Palestinian President Abbas and the assurances by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be respected,” the statement continued. “The sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.”

Britain's Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt also voiced his condemnation of the attack.

"I strongly condemn the horrific terror attack in Jerusalem. I am saddened and appalled by this despicable act and offer my condolences to the victims and their families. The UK continues to stand with Israel against terrorism," said Burt in a statement.

US Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt tweeted his response to the attack.

"My family & I send thoughts & prayers to families of victims of today's terror attack in Jerusalem. We must defeat all forms of terror!" said Greenblatt.

Greenblatt also praised Palestinian Authority President Abbas's phone call to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which the Palestinian leader condemned the attack.

Despite the attackers coming from the northern Israel town of Umm el-Fahm, Greenblatt expressed his hope that "Pres Abbas helps [Netanyahu] bring those responsible to justice."

Jason Greenblatt (L) and Benjamin Netanyahu (R) (KOBI GIDEON/GPO)

Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo said that he was "deeply saddened by the heinous attacks" carried out in Jerusalem.

"In times of crisis, friends stand shoulder to shoulder. Today I express my deep condolences to the members of [the Merhav David] unit as they mourn the loss of two of their own and to the people of Israel as they come together after this attack," said Cuomo.

The Jordanian response to the attack was far less warmly welcomed by the Israeli government.

"The Jordanian government opposes all damage done to Muslims' ability to carry out, freely and without obstacles, their religious rituals at their holy sites," said a Jordanian government spokesperson .

According to Israeli media, Jordan launched a significant diplomatic effort to convince Israeli authorities to immediately reopen the Temple Mount complex for prayers.

Israel rejected the requests.

Danielle Ziri contributed to this article.