17-year-old killed in brawl, reportedly between Jewish, Arab teens; 7 arrested

Police say teen fatally injured in fight in Muqeible; Itai Yitzhak, from neighboring Gan Ner, pronounced dead by doctors after his friends took him to hospital

By ToI Staff 24 October 2020, 9:09 amUpdated at 3:18 pm

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Itai Yitzhak, 17, killed in a brawl overnight Friday, reportedly between Arab and Jewish teens, in the northern village of Muqeible (Courtesy)

A 17-year-old boy was killed overnight in a fight in the northern village of Muqeible, police said Saturday morning.

According to Hebrew-language media reports, a fight broke out between teens from Muqeible and the nearby village of Gan Ner.

Itai Yitzhak, from Gan Ner, was fatally injured with a sharp object during the brawl.

Police said the boy’s friends took him to the Emek Medical Center in Afula, where doctors pronounced his death.

Police said seven people were arrested in connection with the incident.

Police on the scene where a 17-year-old was killed in a fight between Arab and Jewish youths in Muqeible, October 24, 2020 (Screen grab/Channel 12)

Ahmed al-Buhiri, an educator from Muqeible, told Channel 13 news that the incident was not an accurate demonstration of relations between the two neighboring villages.

“This does not reflect the relationship between Muqeible and Gan Ner. Joint steps will be taken between the two localities,” he said. “Relations between the localities is excellent and we find it hard to believe what we have heard. I hope the adults on both sides will calm things down.”