Israeli security officials are concerned that Friday night’s terrorist attack which left 23-year-old Border Police officer Hadas Malka dead could spark a spate of copycat assaults.

Global terror outfit Isis claimed it carried out the shooting and stabbing near Jerusalem’s Old City; however, Israeli and Palestinian officials do not believe any organised group was behind the attack.

Although Israeli police dismissed a claim by Hamas that it was behind the killing, there was concern it could "inspire" Palestinians to attempt further attacks.

An initial investigation by the army seems to indicate the three Palestinian assailants who carried out the atrocity entered Jerusalem without a legal permit, according to Haaretz.

Sources within the IDF said the three went to the Temple Mount and prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque before the attack.

According to Israeli media reports, two of the terrorists were part of a local cell not affiliated to Hamas or any other organisation, which was known for rock and firebomb attacks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hit out at Palestinian incitement, saying: "I demand that the Palestinian Authority condemn the terror attack at Damascus Gate last night, and I expect the world to do the same."

Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman also blasted Palestinian incitement, saying: "We will continue to fight vicious Palestinian terror and relentless incitement with all our might. The Palestinian Authority's thundering silence and refusal to condemn terror, as well as the statement by Fatah – that Abbas heads - that Israel murdered three innocent people, prove there is no partner."

Following the attack, Israel withdrew 250,000 permits allowing Palestinians to visit Israel for Ramadan.