Two Israeli women in their 70s were stabbed and wounded by Palestinian assailants in Jerusalem today, Israeli police said adding that the two suspects have been arrested.

Both women sustained moderate wounds after the attack at the Talpiot promenade in Jerusalem and were taken to hospital for treatment.

A police spokesman said the suspected assailants fled the scene to the nearby Palestinian village of Jabel Mukaber, in the suburbs of East Jerusalem.

Since October, Palestinian attacks have killed 28 Israelis and two visiting US citizens. Israeli forces have killed at least 194 Palestinians, 133 of whom Israel has said were assailants. Many others were shot dead in clashes and protests.

Factors behind the violence include Palestinian bitterness over stalled peace talks and the growth of Israeli settlements, increased Jewish access to a contested Jerusalem shrine and Islamist-led calls for Israel's destruction.

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