Police chief
Israeli police chief Kobi Shabtai has announced a “zero tolerance” policy for protests in support of Gaza within Israel.
He has threatened to send anti-war demonstrators to Gaza, the Palestinian enclave under bombardment by Israel for almost two weeks.
Shabtai’s statement was made in a video on the Israeli police’s TikTok channel. Israeli media reported on it after police dispersed a pro-Gaza rally in Haifa and arrested six individuals.
Shabtai stated, “Whoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome. Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.”
He also emphasized there would be “zero tolerance for any instance of incitement,” and no authorization for protests. Israeli police have arrested individuals suspected of supporting or inciting “terror” since the start of the Gaza war on October 7.
Authorities are monitoring social media for Palestinians in Israel expressing support for Hamas, the group governing Gaza.
The situation in Gaza involves a siege and ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups, resulting in casualties and significant destruction.
Meanwhile, on Monday night, Israeli forces arrested Palestinian singer Dalal Abu Amneh, an Israeli national, at her residence in Nazareth, accusing her of engaging in “hate speech” due to her supportive posts about Gaza.
According to the reports, her lawyers stated that the Israeli police had interrogated her, but there is no official decision regarding extending her detention.
Dalal Abu Amneh, a native of Nazareth, is not only a singer but also a neuroscientist, renowned for her songs about Palestine.
She had made several controversial social media posts and received public complaints about her content, which predominantly expressed support for Palestine while being critical of Israel.
Israeli officials claim that Amneh frequently posted on social media and participated in activities perceived as detrimental to Israeli interests.
Authorities were planning to present her in the Nazareth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, with the intention of seeking an extension of her detention.
