Watch: Riots in Kafr Manda
In the lead up to council elections, riots have broken out in Kafr Manda in the western Galilee. The riots continue despite pleas from desperate residents to stop the violence.
Riots broke out for a third night in Kafr Manda on Friday as the village prepares for councilor elections in the western Galilee town next week.
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Hundreds of people participated in the riots and dozens have been arrested over the past several days.
The rioters shot fireworks at each other, threw rocks, and set fire to property. Police forces used riot control methods to disperse the rioters. Following an initial investigation, police found dozens of Molotov cocktails which were prepared and ready to be used.
The councilor elections are to take place due to the death of Council Head Taha Abdel Halim last month. Several candidates are seeking to replace him, and the campaign is raising tensions within the village.
Meanwhile, hundreds of residents came out to the main street in the village to protest against the riots and the violence and to try and calm the situation. However, it was to no avail.
"We're in shock" one of the Kafr Manda residents said. "It's like Gaza here. These irresponsible people have no place in our village, and they're endangering the lives of the people here. It would be better to cancel elections and appoint a committee to manage the council. We don't deserve to be in the government here."
