Efforts for Reconciliation in Kafr Kanna and Arrest of 34 Suspects Following the Altercation

SadaNews - Kafr Kanna witnessed an extensive security presence last night following a raid by large police forces, special units (Yasam), and Border Guard troops on dozens of homes and targets within the town, in an effort to contain a wave of violence and gunfire linked to an ongoing dispute between two families.

The police stated in a press release that "the extensive campaign resulted in the arrest of 34 suspects involved in incidents of gunfire, violence, and public disorder stemming from the family conflict".

They added that "the arrested individuals were transferred to investigation centers, and they are to be presented this morning to the Magistrate's Court in Nazareth to consider the requests for their detention extensions".

The police indicated that "the forces involved in the raids, which included hundreds of personnel, seized quantities of ammunition, bulletproof vests, and large sums of money suspected to have been used to fund criminal activities, as well as several vehicles believed to have been used in the recent gunfire incidents".

The police also noted that "strengthened police forces continue to deploy in sensitive points within Kafr Kanna, and have set up checkpoints at the entrances and exits of the town, as a measure to prevent any potential retaliatory acts and ensure the maintenance of public order".

A statement from the police quoted the police chief in the northern district emphasizing that this operation is part of a series of planned measures to "strike at centers of violence and dry up sources of arms in Arab towns". He warned that "the police will continue its intensive activities and will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize citizens' security or impose an atmosphere of terror within the towns".

In an effort to calm the situation and halt the state of tension, a truce was announced last night, Saturday, following a meeting held at the home of Sheikh Kamal Khatib, attended by the reconciliation committee, dignitaries, and notable figures from the community.

According to what was agreed upon, both parties are committed to immediately halting all forms of discord and conflict and refraining from any statement or action that could inflame tensions or harm the other party, while emphasizing mutual respect and honoring the privacy of each family.

The reconciliation committee announced that it has begun practical steps toward achieving a comprehensive reconciliation agreement that restores rights to their rightful owners and turns the page on the dispute, affirming that the truce takes effect from the moment it is signed.

The committee stated in a press release, "In the name of Allah, and for the sanctity of the blessed month of Ramadan, and out of our concern for the public interest and prioritizing the voice of religion and reason, and everyone’s desire to end the ongoing conflict, a meeting was held today, Saturday, 21.02.2026, corresponding to 4 Ramadan 1447 AH at the home of Sheikh Kamal Khatib between the brothers of the Awawda and Tahe families, with the presence of the reconciliation committee, where the following was agreed upon:

1. Both parties commit to stopping all manifestations of discord and conflict, starting from the moment of signing this agreement.

2. Refrain from any action or statement that could escalate the conflict or offend the other party.

3. Mutual respect for everyone’s dignity.

4. The reconciliation committee announces the beginning of its efforts to reach a final reconciliation agreement while preserving the rights of their owners.

5. This truce is effective from the date of its signing, and we bear witness to Allah on that."

This step is part of ongoing community efforts to establish civil peace and enhance the cohesion of the social fabric, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan, which carries meanings of forgiveness, compassion, and brotherhood.