Strikes and protests sweep Arab towns over crime and Israeli police inaction

Protests and strikes took place across several Arab communities in Israel on Wednesday evening and into Thursday, amid growing anger over rising crime rates and what demonstrators describe as Israeli police complicity and failure to provide protection.

Demonstrations were held in a number of towns, including Umm al-Fahm, where Israeli police arrested one protester for carrying a sign reading “Gaza the Proud.” Participants said the protests reflected mounting frustration over deteriorating personal security and the spread of organised crime in Arab localities.

Several Arab towns announced a general strike on Thursday in solidarity with communities facing similar conditions. In statements, local bodies said the move was a collective response to escalating violence and followed a call issued by Sakhnin, where the first strike actions began and where a central demonstration was scheduled to take place.

In the Negev, the Forum of Heads of Arab Local Authorities called for a mass demonstration in Rahat under the slogan “One people, one destiny, one future.” The Popular Committee in Sha’ab also announced a general strike, declaring solidarity with Sakhnin and other Arab communities in protest against crime and those responsible for it.

Medical professionals in Sakhnin, including local doctors, said they would take part in the strike as a “clear protest” against the surge in violence and the continued failure to safeguard lives in Arab society.

READ: Knesset approves law banning employment of Palestinian university graduates in Israel’s education system