Israeli Palestinians Complain of Security Crackdowns
(AWP) - Palestinian citizens of Israel are shaken by growing tensions as security measures have been tightened on political leaders who reject the war on Gaza, urge peace, or advocate reaching a deal to release hostages kept by Hamas, and lift the blockade imposed on the Strip.
Khayri Iskandar, an official of the peace commission in the Southern Triangle area, said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that the Palestinians who carry Israeli nationality are among the “enemies” he is fighting.
“The official, populist incitement, and the discourse among the people these days, show that we are heading towards suppression. Anyone who speaks on matters not to their liking, or running counter to their policies is detained, investigated and politically harassed,” he said.
“Even on social media, populist annoyances are taking place in a flagrant, inciting manner that has never been seen before. This incitement is only part of this state’s policy in dealing with its Arab citizens. We sense this in the racism and oppression with which our people are being assaulted, wherever they are,” added Iskandar.
Zuhair Qa’dan, a local resident of Baqa al-Gharbiyye, said that he has not dared express his opinion on social media after hearing of crackdowns targeting Palestinian citizens in Israel.
He noted that Arabs inside Israel cannot turn a blind eye to Arab developments in general, and the Palestinians in particular.
“We are an indivisible part of the Arab people. We are made sad or happy by whatever makes them sad or happy. We are Arabs, and we have to express our opinions. This state is supposed to be a democracy, and to respect different opinions. This only exists for them. Even in the government today, the ultra-rightists do not allow the leftists to freely express their opinions,” added Qa’adan.
The Israeli police said in a statement last week that it “would not allow any breach of public order or incitement attempts, and would take strict measures against violators.”