Arab community homicide toll reaches 70 in 2026 as violence spreads in Ramle and Musheirifa
Two Arab men were killed in separate shootings in central and northern Israel on Monday, raising the community’s homicide toll to 70 this year, according to the Abraham Initiatives watchdog.
In Ramle, a motorcyclist identified as Marwan Abu Ghanem, 21, was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot and later died. Police detained four suspects from nearby Lod, citing a possible blood feud as the motive.
Later, in the northern village of Musheirifa, another man was shot and killed. Police are actively searching for suspects. Earlier on Monday, 30-year-old Majdi Nasser was shot dead in Tira, marking the 68th Arab homicide victim since the start of 2026.
The Abraham Initiatives noted that this year’s Arab community homicide count is already 28 higher than the same period last year, which was the bloodiest year on record with 252 victims.
Critics accuse National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of failing to tackle the surge in gang-related violence in Arab towns, focusing instead on terrorism and threats to Jewish areas. Community members say ongoing blood feuds and organized crime have worsened, leaving many residents fearful for their safety.
In affected towns, shop owners close early, and parents are afraid to let children play outside as gun violence and gang activity continue to escalate.
Source: The Times of Israel