Family Reveals Financial Motive in Fatima Rajabi Murder Case

The Rajabi family has revealed that financial motives, including a debt of approximately 60,000 shekels, were behind the murder of Fatima Rajabi, also known as "Umm Raji." According to Taysir Rajabi, a family spokesperson, the suspect allegedly owed the victim money from a financial "جمعية" (a rotating savings and credit association) she organized. He stated that the police have confirmed part of this information. The family believes the suspect lured Rajabi, attacked her with a sharp object, and then hid her body in a cave near his home in the Al-Tur neighborhood.

Rajabi further explained that the suspect was facing severe financial difficulties, possibly linked to gambling debts. The victim and suspect had a prior relationship, as he was known to the family and worked in appliance repair, which facilitated the alleged luring. The family also suspects the perpetrator stole gold jewelry, cash, and Rajabi's bank card, which he then used to withdraw funds from her account.

Following the confirmation of Rajabi's death, a tribal truce that was being prepared during her disappearance transformed into a "truce of blood" in anticipation of traditional tribal procedures after the body's handover. The family granted a three-day truce after receiving the body, to be followed by tribal ceremonies related to the killing, aimed at de-escalating tensions and preventing further conflict between families. The Rajabi family emphasized their restraint during the disappearance, not demanding the suspect's family leave their homes, adhering to the principle of individual responsibility.

Regarding the closure of some shops belonging to the suspect's family in Jerusalem, Taysir Rajabi clarified that some Rajabi youths closed shops in Beit Hanina and Kafr Aqab as a sign of mourning and respect, not as a call for revenge. He stressed that homes, women, and children were not to be targeted, and the family is committed to preventing collective revenge or arson. The family is cooperating with the police investigation, while the suspect remains in custody. The priority, Rajabi stated, is to "gather the file," ensure legal proceedings against the suspect, and maintain calm in Jerusalem.