Two Palestinian citizens of Israel shot dead as murder toll for this year surpasses 100

Two Palestinian citizens of Israel were shot dead in separate incidents on Saturday as a spike in murders in the community appears to only be worsening.

In the city of Qalansuwa, 28-year-old Watheq Qashqush was gunned down while on the street, The Times of Israel reported police as saying.

Hours later, three people were shot in Jaljulia, the Israeli news outlet reported ambulance and police sources as saying. A 49-year-old man who was not immediately named was declared dead upon arrival at hospital.

The two deaths bring the number of Palestinian citizens of Israel murdered this year to at least 102, according to the NGO Abraham Initiatives.

At least ten Palestinians from within Israel's 1948 boundaries were killed in the last week alone – including five who were shot dead at a car wash near Nazareth on Thursday.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have long complained of discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime that disproportionately affects their communities.

Experts say gangs have amassed large quantities of illegal weapons over the past two decades and are involved in drugs, arms and human trafficking, prostitution, extortion and money laundering.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have long complained of discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime that disproportionately affects their communitieshttps://t.co/7ser4TKBDZ

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) June 11, 2023

Palestinians citizens of Israel protested Friday to demand greater protections for their community, who make up around 20 percent of Israel's population. The community is made up of Palestinians who managed to remain in their homes despite ethnic cleansing by Zionist forces during the 1948 Nakba and their descendants.

Community leaders and Palestinian former members of the Knesset launched protests last month to push for the Israeli government to take action to stop the murders.