The Israeli police have intensified restrictions on free speech and culture for Palestinians, recently raiding two bookstores in East Jerusalem owned by the Muna brothers. They were arrested for allegedly selling terrorist-supporting literature, including a children’s book titled 'From the Jordan to the Sea,' a slogan interpreted by many Israelis as a denial of their existence. Family members and diplomats have condemned the raids as political suppression, occurring amid a broader crackdown on Palestinian expression following the recent Hamas attack on Israel that escalated tensions in the region.
The police confirmed the arrests, claiming that books promoting terrorism were sold in their shops, including a children's coloring book entitled 'From the Jordan to the Sea.'
Murad Muna stated that the raid is part of a political persecution aimed at silencing our voice in the public sphere, denying claims that the stores sold violence-promoting literature.
Germany's ambassador to Israel described the Munas as peace-loving Palestinian Jerusalemites, highlighting their openness to discussion and intellectual exchange, contradicting the police's claims.
Following the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, there has been a significant increase in arrests of Palestinian citizens on charges related to 'incitement to terror.'
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