African migrants hurt in Jerusalem 'arson attack'By BBC | Monday, June 4   2012 at  19:56

Four African migrants have been hurt in a suspected arson attack on their home in Jerusalem, Israeli police say.

The fire was started at the entrance to the two-storey building on Jaffa Street in the city centre after 03:00 (00:00 GMT), trapping the 10 Eritreans inside.

Graffiti found at the scene read: "We want the foreigners out."

There is increasing argument and dissent in Israel over what to do with the 60,000 Africans who have entered the country illegally in recent years.

On Sunday, a new law came into force allowing immigration authorities to detain illegal migrants for up to three years.

The four Eritreans injured in Monday's attack were taken to hospital with burns on their hands and suffering from smoke inhalation.

First incident

Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme: "We believe that those individuals from the African foreign community were targeted specifically."

He said the building had graffiti sprayed on its walls saying: "We want the foreigners out."

In recent weeks, there have been violent scenes in Israeli towns and cities where many migrants live and work, reports the BBC's Wyre Davies in Jerusalem.

In south Tel Aviv, in particular, African-run businesses have been attacked and many migrants have been abused in the streets.

"This was the first incident which has taken place... on a level of a specific attack," Mr Rosenfeld said.

The police spokesman said that of the 60,000 illegal immigrants living in Israel, an estimated 35,000 of them lived in the Tel Aviv area and about 5,000 in Jerusalem.