Teenager Kills Barber by Mistake While Targeting Uncle in Tamra

On July 7, a 17-year-old teenager attempted to murder his uncle at a barbershop on a main street in Tamra but mistakenly shot and killed the barber, Yasser Abu Elhija. The teenager arrived at the scene on an electric bicycle and opened fire at the entrance. The uncle was seriously injured, while the barber died shortly after from the gunshot wounds. Initially, it was unclear who the intended target was, but the investigation later focused on a family dispute involving the uncle, who was a client at the barbershop.

Police identified three family members suspected of planning and executing the attack. The main suspect is the 17-year-old teenager, whose details are under gag order, accused of shooting his uncle. The teenager's father, who is the uncle’s brother, is suspected of involvement in the planning, and a 19-year-old relative is suspected of scouting the area before the shooting and aiding the shooter’s escape.

About ten days after the shooting, police recovered the electric bicycle used by the shooter, along with a helmet and clothing allegedly hidden in a container after the incident. Investigators also found a photo on the teenager’s phone showing him holding two pistols, which is considered significant evidence. The suspects were arrested on July 19. On the morning of August 17, the Haifa District Prosecutor’s Office planned to file indictments against two of the suspects in the Haifa District Court and request their detention until the end of proceedings. No charges have been filed against the father yet.