Crackdown on the Palestinian protests in Umm al-Fahm

Umm al-Fahm is a city located in northern Israel, within the Haifa District. It is situated in the Wadi Ara area of the Jezreel Valley region. Umm al-Fahm is one of the largest Arab cities in Israel and lies approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Haifa. Since October 7, Palestinian activists in Umm al-Fahm have faced repression but continue organizing protests through the local popular committee.

Historically central to Palestinian resistance within Israel: birthplace of Abnaa al-Balad (1969), stronghold of the outlawed Northern Islamic Movement, and a focal point of the 2021 Unity Intifada. Known for mobilizing against both Israeli state policies and organized crime, often uniting youth and veteran leaders.

Post-October 7 Climate:

First licensed anti-war protest in Israel took place in Umm al-Fahm on Oct 19, 2023, after police blocked attempts in Haifa. Leaders Muhammad Taher Jabareen and Ahmad Khalifah were arrested and jailed for months. Demonstrations are regularly harassed by police, with restrictions such as bans on displaying the Palestinian flag.

Escalation:

On November 15, 2024, Hundreds of Palestinian citizens of Israel marched in Umm al-Fahm to protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Border Police heavily secured the area. Lawmaker Ahmad Tibi took part in the rally.

On March 9, 2024, Hundreds of Palestinian Arab and left-wing Israeli activists marched in Umm al-Fahm demanding a ceasefire and an end to the war. Placards read slogans like “Stop the Bloodshed” and “Free Gaza.”

Early 2024 Onwards

The Popular Committee and local groups organized ongoing weekly protests—typically at the city’s entrance or municipal center. These included:

A tense standoff on April 5, 2025,

On April 5, 2025: Hundreds protested near Wadi ‘Ara road in Umm al-Fahm, creating a standoff with police.

On April 9, 2025: Raja Eghbarieh, leader of Abnaa al-Balad, was arrested and placed in administrative detention without charge — a major escalation targeting Palestinian political leadership.

On May 24 2025, A national demonstration was organized by Umm al-Fahm’s popular committee, supported by the Higher Follow-Up Committee of Arab citizens of Israel and the Committee for Solidarity with detainee Raja Eghbarieh. Slogans included: “We stand with our people,” “No to ethnic cleansing and genocide,” and “Freedom to Raja and all detainees.” Although licensed, police disrupted the march — censoring banners, blocking the road, violently seizing Palestinian flags, and arresting a demonstrator.

On May 29, 2025: Palestinians in the Naqab staged an unprecedented general strike against home demolitions; thousands protested in Bir al-Sabe’.

On May 31, 2025: First licensed anti-war demonstration in Haifa since October 7, expected to be widely attended.

On June 7, 2025, a protest was held outside the Israeli police station in Umm al-Fahm City condemning Israel’s demolition policy against their homes and properties.

On Augustus 15, 2025: A protest was held in the city of Umm al-Fahm in 1948 Palestinian territories condemning the killing of journalists in Gaza and demanding the urgent entry of aid. Hundreds of Arab and Jewish protesters marched against police violence, occupation, and the judicial coup; and for security, peace, and equality. The Major deputy of the town was violenty beaten and arrested by Border police.

Testimony of an activist 'Yoram" about the events : "What happened tonight in Umm al-Fahm is that a legal protest vigil of three hundred demonstrators (yes, it was legal) lasted about 45 minutes and was supposed to end — when it was attacked by hundreds of border guards and uniformed police officers, who pushed, beat, and even prevented a voluntary and organized dispersal. It is clear to me that if al-Fahm continues to oppose the genocide…"