Israelis Protest Surge in Gun Crime Within Arab Community

Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel joined forces to demand government action as gun violence surged in the country’s Palestinian-Arab minority. Bereaved families and supporters blocked roads, staged work stoppages and dyed public fountains red in what organizers called a "national day of disruption," led by the grassroots group Standing Together.

The spike in killings has been stark: at least 36 Arab citizens have died since the beginning of the year, local Arabic media reported. Police representatives told a parliamentary committee that there were at least 241 homicides within the Arab community in 2025 compared with 47 among the Jewish population; the Abraham Initiatives said 2025 was the deadliest year on record for the minority, up from 230 fatalities in 2024.

"We, who have paid with the lives of our sons, brothers, parents, and loved ones, say no more," a forum of victims' families said in a statement.

Israel

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