(JTA) — The two rifles used in a shooting spree on the Israeli Embassy in Athens were used in a similar attack last year on the German ambassador’s home in the Greek capital.
Dozens of shots from the Kalashnikovs were fired on the embassy, which was closed at the time, in the attack early Friday morning.
There was no claim of responsibility, though Greek police believe a group from the far left was responsible. Greek anarchist groups have attacked several foreign embassies in Athens in recent years.
Ballistic tests run by the Greek Police counterterrorism unit showed that the rifles in Friday’s attack were the ones used in the December 2013 attack on the envoy’s home, according to the Greek Reporter.
The United Nations Security Council “condemned in the strongest terms” the Israeli Embassy attack.
“Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations, whenever and by whomsoever committed,” the 15-member council said in a statement on Saturday that also “reaffirmed that terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security.”
Meanwhile, the Security Council in a statement Friday night called on Israel and the Palestinians to “exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation” following the death two days earlier of Palestinian official Ziad Abu Ein during a clash with Israeli troops during a West Bank demonstration.
The council called for a “swift and transparent investigation” and praised the government of Israel for its offer to conduct a joint probe.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
