Grenade Attack in Kfar Manda Kills One, Injures Three

A grenade attack on a business in the village of Kfar Manda in the Lower Galilee on Saturday resulted in the death of Lina Qassem Zidan and injuries to three others. Residents described scenes of panic and fear following the explosion, with one witness, Jad, recounting how he initially thought a missile had fallen in the village. He described seeing a wounded woman covered in blood and a Mitsubishi jeep attempting to flee the scene, with villagers throwing objects at it. Jad expressed dismay at the audacity of criminals who would throw a fragmentation grenade into a crowded business, stating that Kfar Manda, once a quiet village, has lost its peace due to criminal activity. He detailed ongoing issues of extortion, indiscriminate shooting, and criminals even documenting their violent acts. Jad criticized the police, suggesting criminals monitor police movements to plan their attacks, waiting for patrols to leave before striking. Despite the fear, he urged business owners not to succumb to extortion, even at the cost of their lives, emphasizing that no one has the right to demand protection money. Following the incident, police arrested three suspects and located a vehicle believed to have been used in the attack. Inspector General of Police Dani Levi and the commander of the Northern District visited the scene and were briefed on the investigation, with the Inspector General ordering continued efforts to find additional suspects. President Yitzhak Herzog expressed shock over the death of 51-year-old Lina Qassem Zidan, noting she was the 200th victim of violence in the Arab community this year. He called for an intensified fight against crime organizations and illegal weapons, urging the government to take decisive action. Herzog extended condolences to the victim's family and the residents of Kfar Manda, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.