As Israel and Palestinian militant factions engage in increasingly deadly hostilities, Palestinian communities inside Israel are increasingly caught between political and physical attacks. Residents in Tamra, located in northern Israel with a significant Arab population, claim they are bearing the brunt of escalating violence and mounting public outrage.
Tamra resident told CNN, echoing sentiments expressed by other Arab citizens of Israel who feel trapped between two warring sides. Though technically within Israeli borders, communities like Tamra, Umm al-Fahm and Kafr Qasim remain closely associated with Palestinian territories due to culture, family ties and identification.
Rising Tensions and Community Fear
Over the past week alone, several mixed cities with large Arab populations have witnessed a wave of civil unrest, with shops vandalized, violent protests taking place and law enforcement presence increasing dramatically – particularly in Tamra where residents reported increased raids, surveillance, curfews and curfews even though it’s far away from Gaza or West Bank frontlines.
“We are being treated like suspects in our own homes,” complained another Tamra resident who requested not to be identified. “When war breaks out, Israeli citizens suddenly become enemies.
Many have pointed out the psychological toll is mounting, particularly on children and elderly people. Local clinics in Tamra have reported an upsurge in anxiety-related cases since airstrikes and rocket exchanges began this month.
Civilian Lives Disrupted
For Arab citizens living in Israel, this moment represents more than geopolitics; it is about daily survival and loss of trust. Last night in Lod, where Arab-Jewish coexistence is already fragile, clashes broke out resulting in arrests and injuries; community leaders have called for calm; however they fear further violence could break out.
“We fear not only rockets but also hostility from neighbors,” lamented a resident of Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab-majority city. “It seems as if civil war is brewing beneath the surface.”
Israel authorities have voiced strong condemnation of all acts of violence, and have pledged protection for all its citizens. Rights groups claim, however, that Arab neighborhoods are often under-policed until tensions rise, then over-policed when tensions arise.
Caught Between Identities
The ongoing war has also reignited discussions of national identity and belonging. Pro-Palestinian flags can be seen flying at some protests while pro-Israeli sentiment has grown stronger elsewhere, leading to political landscape fragmentation.
Arab-Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset have called upon their government to take adequate steps to safeguard Arab citizens, oppose anti-Arab rhetoric and reduce vigilantism.
“There’s no question that Arab populations in Israel are facing incredible stress,” commented political analyst Laila Nassar. “They’re trying to navigate between loyalty to the state and attachment to their Palestinian heritage.”
As international attention remains focused on Gaza and West Bank confrontations, Arab citizens inside Israel such as Tamra may go unnoticed – yet their pain remains extremely real and growing.
“We’re not on the frontline,” explained one Tamra resident, but still always seem to end up bleeding in some way.