Jerusalem woman shot dead after alleged knife attack

By Kaamil Ahmed

JERUSALEM

A Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli police in Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday after allegedly carrying out an attempted knife attack, according to Israeli police officials.

The woman -- identified as 49-year-old Siham Ratib Nimr -- was shot dead near the Damascus Gate, the Old City’s busiest entrance, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said in a statement.

Police responded by closing at least three entrances to the Old City, leaving visitors and residents unable to enter or exit the city’s Muslim Quarter.

Since October of 2015, around 270 Palestinians have been shot dead after carrying out alleged attacks on Israelis or in clashes with Israeli armed forces.