JERUSALEM, October 31 (JMCC) - A fire that broke out in a Jerusalem church on Thursday was not arson as originally reported, said a police spokesperson.

The fire broke out in a church on Prophet's street, near the armistice line separating western Jerusalem from the eastern half Palestinians are seeking as the capital of their future state. Rescue teams were immediately sent to the scene and 13 people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, said the spokesman.

The police said that while their investigation is ongoing, initial findings are that the fire started organically and was not set by arsonists.

Original news reports had stated that the fire was started by Jewish extremists in the area.