A、Israel is optimistic about U.S. -sponsored peace talks. B、The UN Security Council did not agree on a presidential statement co

A Palestinian gunman opened fire in a Jewish religious school in west Jerusalem on Thursday [killing at least eight Israeli students.] More than 30 others were wounded. It’s the deadliest attack in Israel in two years. [The UN Security Council convened for an urgent session, but has failed to agree on a presidential statement condemning the Jerusalem attack.] Israel says the killings will not derail U. S. -sponsored peace talks. Witnesses say a gunman entered the crowded library study hall of the seminary and opened fire with an automatic weapon—creating a blood bath.  [The gunman was later shot dead.] Students scrambled to flee the attack, some jumping out of windows. Police across Israel were ordered to boost their alert level for fear of additional attacks. [In response to the attack, Israel’s Foreign Ministry says the country will never allow terrorism to achieve its goals. Spokesman of Israeli Foreign Ministry said Israel would continue fighting terrorism wherever it is in order to secure peace and stability in this region.] Tensions between Israel and Palestinians are high following the recent Israeli military incursions into Gaza, which killed at least 120 Palestinians. In the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, gunmen fired in the air to celebrate the attack.