Residents Accuse Police of Beating Handcuffed Man in Jisr az-Zarqa Amid Violent Operation

Residents of Jisr az-Zarqa claim police officers punched a local man while he was handcuffed during a security operation. Video footage obtained by ynet shows a handcuffed man being pushed against a wall and struck by several individuals, whom residents identify as police officers. The man's family reported he sustained injuries and fractures, requiring treatment at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera.

Local resident Taufiq Amash described the police operation as violent, stating officers entered the area aggressively, using stun grenades and pepper spray, which caused injuries to children and widespread fear. He denied police claims that officers were attacked first, asserting that youths only tried to defend themselves while police continued to assault elderly people, children, and women. Those arrested were reportedly released to house arrest after questioning.

The police responded that officers from the ROMECH unit and Jisr az-Zarqa station were conducting a raid to locate weapons and drugs when they faced violent crowds throwing stones, glass bottles, and other objects, endangering officers' lives. Police said they used crowd control measures to restore order and arrested five suspects suspected of attacking officers and disturbing the peace. These suspects were later placed under house arrest.

The police emphasized their zero-tolerance policy toward violence against officers and their commitment to maintaining public security. They did not directly address the video showing the handcuffed man being beaten.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between residents and law enforcement in Jisr az-Zarqa during security operations targeting crime and weapons.