All articles tagged with #israeli police
Israeli police blocked Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Fr. Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Palm Sunday, citing safety concerns amid war-related tensions and ongoing closures of holy sites, prompting condemnations from world leaders and a pledge from Netanyahu to ensure Easter access.
Israeli police blocked Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at a Jerusalem church, disrupting the planned service as holy sites in the city remained shuttered ahead of Passover and Easter.
Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday, the first such interruption in centuries, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office citing safety concerns amid broader security tensions in the Old City. The two officials were traveling privately, the Latin Patriarchate said, and organizers noted there was no procession. Reactions from Italy, France and other leaders condemned the move as a violation of religious freedom, while Netanyahu’s office pledged a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the site in the coming days as Easter week continues.
Catholic leaders were blocked by Israeli police from entering Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday, a move described by the Latin Patriarchate as a grave precedent and the first such restriction in centuries. The cancellation of the Palm Sunday procession comes amid broader security-related restrictions on holy sites in East Jerusalem related to the ongoing conflict, drawing criticism from Italy and prayers from the Vatican. Israeli authorities said the measures were for public safety, with plans to enable worship at the site in the coming days.
Undercover Israeli police, guided by Shin Bet intelligence, killed a senior wanted terrorist in Nablus during a high-stakes operation that also resulted in injuries to several other armed terrorists. The mission, conducted in collaboration with the Shomron Brigade and Nachshon Battalion, faced significant resistance, including gunfire and explosives from nearby terrorists. The killed terrorist was identified by Palestinians as Adam Salah Faraj.
Israeli police are preparing for the first Friday of Ramadan in Jerusalem amid heightened security concerns due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Officials have warned of increased online incitement and fake news reports, but have stated that there will be no additional restrictions to freedom of worship for Muslims during Ramadan. The Israeli police are increasing their forces to maintain order and reduce the chances of terror, as tensions traditionally peak in Jerusalem during Ramadan. Despite the war in Gaza, Israel is welcoming all faiths and protecting freedom of religion and worship, while also addressing attempts by terror organizations to inflame the region.
Israeli police are supporting the officer who fatally shot 12-year-old Palestinian Rami Hamdan in East Jerusalem, despite his father's insistence that the boy never endangered anyone. Justice Ministry officials estimate that the officer won't be indicted, while senior police officers privately express concerns that the incident could escalate tensions and lead to further violence in East Jerusalem.
Bellingcat has geolocated footage showing the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Rami Hamdan Al-Halhouli in Shuafat Refugee Camp in East Jerusalem. The footage captures Rami lighting a firework and moving towards the Separation Barrier before falling to the ground after a shot is heard. Audio analysis suggests the bullet was fired before the firework was launched. Israeli police have initiated an investigation into the incident, while Israel’s National Security Minister has voiced support for the police officer involved. Rami’s family claims the bullet hit him in the heart, and his body has not yet been released to the family.
Israeli police clashed with Muslim worshipers at the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on the first day of Ramadan, barring scores of people from entering and using batons to disperse the crowd, sparking tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to ease restrictions but the clash occurred despite this. The Abraham Initiatives condemned the police actions and called for freedom of worship for Muslims. Israeli police confirmed the clash but said it was an isolated incident and that thousands were allowed to enter the mosque without issue. Security will be increased at the mosque for Ramadan, with concerns of potential violence from Hamas supporters. Netanyahu vowed to continue the war effort in Gaza and minimize civilian casualties, while responding to President Biden's comments.
A video captured two young ultra-Orthodox men spitting at and insulting a Christian priest near the Zion Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, with the incident being condemned by various authorities. The men were later arrested and placed under house arrest as the incident is investigated, while Christians in the area are said to be regularly targeted by such behavior.
Israeli police are investigating allegations of sexual assault and mutilation by members of Hamas, following the October 7 attack. Hamas denies the accusations, and the complex nature of the investigation suggests it will likely take months to conclude. Justice for the victims remains uncertain.
Two Hamas terrorists opened fire at a bus station near Jerusalem, killing three people and injuring 11 others. The attackers, who were shot and killed by Israeli Defense Forces soldiers and a civilian, were identified as brothers associated with Hamas. The area has been blocked off, and searches are underway for additional suspects. The Israeli military announced the extension of the temporary cease-fire agreement with Hamas, allowing for the release of hostages and the exchange of prisoners. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for discussions on the recent violence, including the shooting in Jerusalem.
Two Palestinian attackers armed with an M-16 rifle and a handgun opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem, killing at least three people and injuring eight others. The attackers, who came from East Jerusalem, were stopped and killed by off-duty soldiers and a civilian. Security camera footage captured the moment of the attack. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism faced by Israel.
Israeli police and military units are actively searching for remaining Hamas gunmen in the town of Sderot, Israel, after over 1,000 Hamas fighters infiltrated 22 towns and army bases in a multi-front attack. The Israeli government has announced the evacuation of the town, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to target every Hamas member. Israeli authorities are mobilizing to trace, capture, and kill any remaining Hamas holdouts, while also responding to rocket attacks and assisting wounded civilians.
Eritrean asylum seekers clashed with Israeli police in Tel Aviv during a protest against an Eritrean government event. The police used live fire against the protesters, injuring a dozen asylum seekers. The clashes resulted in injuries to both sides, with 27 police officers wounded. The Eritrean asylum seekers settled in poor neighborhoods in Tel Aviv after arriving illegally through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Eritrea, known for its authoritarian regime, ranks poorly in press freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and economic development.