Arab Community in Israel Continues to Protest against Violence, Crime

Protests by Arabs in Umm al-Fahm on Feb. 5. (EPA)
Protests by Arabs in Umm al-Fahm on Feb. 5. (EPA)
TT

Arab Community in Israel Continues to Protest against Violence, Crime

Protests by Arabs in Umm al-Fahm on Feb. 5. (EPA)
Protests by Arabs in Umm al-Fahm on Feb. 5. (EPA)

Arab leaders have called on the Arab community in Israel to continue holding protests in the city of Umm al-Fahm over violence and organized crime, as well as the Israeli police crackdown on protesters.

Officials from Umm al-Fahm’s municipality and the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel also called for protests.

Dozens of protesters were wounded after the Israeli police fired rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons.

At least 11 were hospitalized, while seven others were arrested at the scene.

Umm al-Fahm mayor Samir Subhi Mahameed was also wounded by police violence and received medical treatment.

Hundreds of upset Arabs gathered outside the municipality for the seventh week in a row, to protest violence, crimes, and the police's failure to extinguish them.

The activists started marching holding 22 coffins, symbolizing the number of victims in the Arab society this year.

For years, violence and crime have been shocking the Arab community in Israel. In the past two years, however, they became a phenomenon that continues to spread.

Last year, up to 91 Arabs were killed in similar incidents.



Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
TT

Hamas Says Israeli Female Hostage Killed in North Gaza Area Hit by Israel

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7 protest outside the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on April 25, 2024. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

A spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing said on Saturday that a female Israeli hostage had been killed in an area of northern Gaza that had been struck by Israeli forces.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was offering a reward of $5 million to anybody who brings out a hostage held in Gaza.

"Anybody who brings out a hostage will find with us a secure way for them and their family to leave" Gaza, Netanyahu said in a video filmed inside the Palestinian territory, according to his office.

"We will also give them a reward of $5 million for each hostage."