Israeli Police Raid E. Jerusalem Bookstore, Arrest Owners

Israeli police arrested Mahmoud and Ahmed Muna, owners of the Educational Bookshop in East Jerusalem, following a raid where books alleged to support terrorism were confiscated, including a controversial children's coloring book. The bookshop, a cultural hub selling works by Palestinian, Israeli, and international authors, has been pivotal in fostering intellectual and cultural dialogue. The arrests, criticized as attacks on free expression, have drawn international condemnation, with diplomats from multiple countries attending the court hearing. Israeli police claim the books contained incitement, while critics, including human rights organizations like B'Tselem, argue the actions are part of broader oppression of Palestinian intellectual life. Witnesses report that police used Google Translate to identify materials for confiscation, taking books with Palestinian flags or nationalistic themes. The incident has sparked protests and highlighted tensions over freedom of expression in the occupied territories.