Umm Al-Fahm Mourns Man Killed by Police, Demands Accountability

Hundreds of residents from Umm Al-Fahm and surrounding areas gathered on Sunday to attend the funeral of 50-year-old Ala Mahamid, who was shot and killed by Israeli police last Thursday. The funeral prayers were held at the city's training field before Mahamid was laid to rest in the Al-Baqi cemetery. Participants in the funeral procession called for the prosecution of the officer involved and an end to what they described as police heavy-handedness against Arab citizens.

The Umm Al-Fahm municipality and the Popular Committee had urged residents to participate in the funeral, which was organized as a public event following an emergency meeting held last Thursday after Mahamid's death. The municipality and committee had decided to hold the public funeral and a protest, which took place on Saturday, in addition to demanding an urgent session of the Higher Follow-up Committee and the National Committee of Local Authority Heads.

Mahamid was shot by police in the Ein Jarar area of Umm Al-Fahm on Thursday. Police stated that officers opened fire because he attempted to flee from them. He is survived by his wife and five children. His family is demanding a trial for the officer responsible.

The funeral occurred amidst ongoing public and official efforts. The municipality and the Popular Committee have called for an independent and impartial investigation committee, separate from the Police Internal Investigations Department (Mahash). The family has affirmed its commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable. The municipality also emphasized the need to follow up on the conduct of Border Police officers with residents and to pursue the legal process in cooperation with the family.