Teen stabbed at Jerusalem Gay Pride march dies

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Israel's President Rivlin says flames of hatred have spread across Israel as thousands rally following a gay pride stabbing attack and the separate killing of a Palestinian toddler in a suspected Jewish extremist attack.
A man holds a placard as thousands of Israelis from the gay community and supporters gather in downtown Jerusalem on Aug 1 to protest against gay discrimination. PHOTO: AFP

JERUSALEM (AFP) - A teenage girl stabbed along with five other people at a Jerusalem Gay Pride march by a suspect identified as an ultra-Orthodox Jew died of her wounds on Sunday, a hospital said.

Shira Banki, 16, had been in critical condition since being stabbed in the back during Thursday's march. The five other victims suffered various degrees of injuries.

The suspect, Mr Yishai Shlissel, carried out the attack just weeks after being released from a 10-year prison sentence for stabbing participants of the 2005 Gay Pride march in Jerusalem, wounding three people.

Police said on Sunday they had formed a committee to examine the "background and circumstances" that allowed the latest attack to take place.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent his condolences to the Banki family, and said "Shira was murdered because she courageously supported the principle that every person is entitled to live their life in dignity and safety".

"We won't let the despicable murderer undermine the fundamental values upon which Israeli society is based," he added in a statement.

At his Friday remand hearing, Mr Shlissel told the court he did not accept its authority, saying it was "part of the mechanism of evil".

The Hadassah hospital in Jerusalem where Banki had been treated said her family was donating her organs.

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