Umm Al-Fahm Residents Protest Police Killing of Man, Demand Accountability

Residents of Umm Al-Fahm and surrounding areas protested on Saturday at the city's first roundabout, condemning the police killing of 50-year-old Alaa Mahamid by an officer last Thursday. Protesters carried signs demanding accountability for the officer who shot Mahamid and accusing the police of targeting Arab citizens. Slogans included "The state kills citizens" and "Criminality by the police against Arab citizens."

The victim was shot at close range, with police claiming he did not comply with their orders. As of Saturday, Mahamid's body had not yet been released from the Abu Kabir Forensic Medicine Institute, and a large public funeral was anticipated.

Alaa Mahamid's brother, Khaled Mahamid, told Arab 48 that their demands include forming an investigation committee into his brother's killing and holding the "killer" accountable. He stated that the funeral was expected the following day, but the exact time was not yet set.

The protest was called for by the Popular Committee and the Umm Al-Fahm municipality following an emergency meeting. The meeting also decided to organize a public funeral in coordination with the family and requested an urgent meeting with the National Committee of Local Authority Heads and the Higher Monitoring Committee to address the conduct of Border Police officers in Umm Al-Fahm.