Police Arrest Dozens in Nazareth Amid Surge in Gun Violence

Israeli police launched a large-scale arrest operation in Nazareth on Friday morning, involving Border Police forces, targeting individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities. The operation follows a recent spate of murders and shootings in the city.

Over the past two days, dozens of police officers and Border Guard personnel raided several locations in Nazareth, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects. During overnight operations, police also seized a significant cache of weapons, including a hand grenade and a pistol, preventing their use in ongoing disputes. Some suspects attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended after pursuits.

This latest crackdown comes after a previous police operation the night before, which resulted in the arrest of over 20 suspects, including the brother of a murder victim. Nazareth has been experiencing a sharp rise in violent crime, with three people killed in two separate incidents within two hours on Wednesday. A young man, Mahmoud Bayatra, was also killed in a shooting incident on Thursday evening.

The police stated that the arrested individuals are suspected of involvement in criminal activities, and the seized weapons were prevented from being used in conflicts.