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Frightening

Old City Bookstore Shut Down for selling Hamas leaders' books

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the distribution of materials promoting extremist ideologies in Jerusalem's Old City, a historically sensitive area where tensions often run high.

Terrorist books for sale
Photo: Kikar HaShabbat

A bookstore owner in Jerusalem's Old City has been arrested for allegedly selling books by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, along with other materials promoting terrorism, Israeli Police announced Monday.

The investigation began when police stopped a woman for a routine check and discovered inciting materials in her bag. She told officers she had just purchased the books from a store in the Old City. Using surveillance technology, police traced the sale to the suspect's bookshop.

Among the seized materials were books by Abdullah Barghouti, a convicted terrorist serving 67 life sentences, which detailed his childhood and his attacks on Israeli citizens. Other concerning titles included "Hamas, the Intifada and the Authority," "Hassan Nasrallah: Rebel from the South," and various works glorifying ISIS.

"Some of these books explicitly call for violence against Jews and promote terrorist ideologies," a senior police official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The suspect, a man in his 40s, has been remanded in custody until February 4 while the investigation continues.

Authorities have ordered the bookstore closed for 30 days under administrative action. The shop's closure is part of broader efforts by Jerusalem District Police to combat incitement and support for terrorism.

"Israel Police will continue to work against incitement and support for terrorism, utilizing advanced capabilities including the Jerusalem District's special awareness command center," a police spokesperson said. "We remain committed to protecting Israeli citizens' security through prevention and enforcement."

Kikar HaShabbat contributed to this article.


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