Fourth Victim of Murder-Suicide Attack Dies as Israeli-Arab Homicides Surge

Jerusalem, 10 April, 2024 (TPS) -- A fourth victim of a murder-suicide attack died on Wednesday as a surge of Israeli-Arab homicides continued.

On a Monday night, a man whose name has not been released entered the Nazareth home of his father-in-law and opened fire on his family members on the eve of the Eid al-Fitr holiday before turning the gun on himself.

Killed in the attack were the shooter’s brother-in-law, the brother-in-law’s brother and their uncle. Another brother-in-law died of his injuries on Wednesday at Haifa’s Rambam Hospital.

Also injured in the attack were the gunman’s mother and sister.

The latest death brings to 50 the number of Israeli-Arabs killed in Arab sector homicides in 2024.

In 2023, a record number of 244 Israeli-Arabs were murdered, more than double the 120 homicides in 2022, according to the Abraham Initiative, a non-profit organization that promotes Arab integration into Israeli society.

“This is another tragic and unfortunate case that once again illustrates to us the necessity of synchronizing all bodies and authorities in an uncompromising investment in the fight against crime,” the Abraham Initiative said in response to the Nazareth murders. “But recently the government has cut these budgets – and the number of victims is climbing. The state must raise the issue in the government’s order of priorities.”

Last year’s spike in violence is attributed to organized crime groups fighting turf battles and trying to eliminate rivals. Arab criminal organizations have been involved in extortion, money laundering, and trafficking in weapons, drugs and women.