In the West Bank village of Duma, only about 30 kilometers from Jerusalem, security forces launched a rapid operation following a funeral that turned into a political rally. Hamas flags were raised, and chants of incitement were heard in support of the militant group. Israeli Border Police and IDF units arrested five suspects, while dozens of others received warnings and official deterrence notices. The proximity to Jerusalem has heightened concerns over possible spillover into the city
Arrests in Duma over Hamas flags and incitement
According to Israeli police, five individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of incitement and support for Hamas. In addition, around 20 residents were summoned for warning conversations, and 45 others received written deterrence orders. Officials stressed that public funerals will not be allowed to become platforms for Hamas propaganda, particularly in areas so close to Jerusalem. The arrests, they noted, were intended to send a clear message of deterrence across the region
The trauma of Duma – Dawabsheh family and Amiram Ben Uliel
Duma has been etched into Israel’s national memory since the 2015 arson attack that killed three members of the Dawabsheh family. The case shocked the country and drew worldwide condemnation. Shortly after, Amiram Ben Uliel was convicted and sentenced to life in prison, his name becoming a symbol in a divisive legal and political debate that continues to this day. Since then, Duma has frequently reappeared in the headlines, often tied to clashes with Israeli security forces. For many, the village has become synonymous with one of the most painful and controversial episodes in recent history
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Strategic proximity to Jerusalem
The location of Duma – just 30 kilometers from Jerusalem – gives local incidents far-reaching implications. For Israel’s security establishment, any demonstration or show of support for Hamas in the village is seen as a potential threat that could echo directly into the capital. Jerusalem, already a constant focal point of global attention, is highly sensitive to unrest in its immediate surroundings. The latest incident highlights how even small-scale events in Duma carry the risk of sparking wider tensions in Jerusalem
Police: We will not allow Hamas incitement near Jerusalem
Israeli police and the IDF pledged to continue cracking down on incitement and public displays of support for Hamas. “The public space in Israel will not be turned into a stage for Hamas – not in Jerusalem, not in Duma, not anywhere,” the police said in a statement. Officials added that swift actions, like the recent arrests in Duma, are designed to break the cycle of incitement and protect the security of Jerusalem and the entire region
