This is a summary of the original article by AlJazeera Staff that may be found here
A rise in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem is feared after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to make it easier for Israelis to acquire firearms. He stated that he would expedite the process of granting gun permits to Israeli citizens and increase efforts to collect “illegal weapons”. His office also promised new steps to “strengthen” illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The announcements were made following a security cabinet meeting with hardline politicians after two shootings took place, one of which resulted in seven fatalities in occupied East Jerusalem.
The new Israeli government, inaugurated last month, is the most right-wing in the country’s history and has raised fears among Palestinians living under illegal Israeli military occupation, as well as left-wing Israelis. Part of the new government includes national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, both of whom are known for their intention to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexation of Palestinian land, and for inciting violence against Palestinians.
The Palestinian Authority’s health ministry reported that more than 200 Palestinians were killed in 2022, making it the deadliest year for Palestinians in 16 years. Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was among those killed, shot dead by Israeli forces during a military raid in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin in May. Al Jazeera Media Network submitted a formal request to the International Criminal Court to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
Diana Buttu, a Haifa-based analyst, pointed out that in none of the cases of killed Palestinians has an investigation been opened that led to charges. In more than 90 percent of attacks that settlers perpetrate against Palestinians, “the police does nothing, the army does nothing, they just close off the file, there are no charges that are laid”, she said.
Al Jazeera’s Diplomatic Editor James Bays pointed out that Netanyahu’s plans to approve more gun permits for Israeli citizens come at a time when Israeli police are also encouraging those with existing licenses to carry their guns. Bays described the measures as “collective punishment” and “a clear breach of human rights”. Yara Hawari, a senior policy fellow at think tank Shabaka, said the announcement is “a worrying escalation that will no doubt lead to more attacks and more extrajudicial killings of Palestinians”. Hawari added that Netanyahu is “giving the green light for all Israelis to inflict violence upon Palestinians with full impunity”. Buttu also stated that Israel is already “armed to the teeth” and “shooting at Palestinians is very common”, and that the problem is not just about arming people but about the government giving Israelis a green light to shoot at Palestinians.
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