Three individuals were tragically shot on Monday night near the police station situated in Tira, an Arab city within Israel. Among the victims was Abdel Rahman Kashua, the Director General of the Tira municipality. He sustained fatal injuries and was rushed to Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba, where he tragically succumbed to his wounds and was declared dead. Additionally, city council members Mahmoud Naser and Sheikh Mocher suffered injuries, though they were described as minor in comparison. A medical team promptly transported them to Meir Hospital for necessary treatment.

In response to the shocking incident, a considerable number of security forces rapidly converged on the scene. The Israeli police released a statement that detailed their immediate actions. Upon receipt of the shooting incident report, they initiated "operational scans." They shared that the three victims had made their way to the station using their vehicle and were subsequently moved to the medical facility for urgent care. The police's primary objective is to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this heinous act. To that end, they are also diligently working to pinpoint the exact location of the shooting and gather crucial evidence, including forensic findings from the scene and documentation.

The gravity of the situation compelled Central District Commander Superintendent Avi Biton to assess the situation firsthand. Following his evaluation, he designated the Central District Attorney to lead the investigation into the matter. Emphasizing the urgency and importance of the situation, Biton remarked, "Given the severity of this incident, especially considering a government official was the target, it tops our district's list of priorities."

Gunmen murder local government leader in #Israeli Arab city of Tira raising violent crime deathtoll for the year to 153 https://t.co/yn3BVcDjfk

— Allyn Fisher-Ilan (@AFilan) August 22, 2023

Mayor Ma'mon Abdel-Hai, deeply affected by the tragedy, visited Meir Hospital where the victims were being treated. Overwhelmed with emotion, he expressed his sorrow, saying, "It's incredibly hard for me to articulate my feelings at this time." Similarly, MK Walid Taha of the Ra'am party voiced his concerns, pointing out the vulnerabilities public figures face, stating, "The reasons behind the attack on the General Director and others remain unknown. However, it serves as a stark reminder that any public figure, including members of the Knesset like us, can be potential targets." He also made a pointed reference to Minister Ben Gvir, criticising his perceived indifference to their safety.

News of the attack first reached emergency services at 21:24, with the MDA call center receiving reports of three injured individuals in Tira. The MDA later confirmed the condition of two victims: "A 60-year-old male in critical condition and a 58-year-old male with moderate injuries."

The existence of police station in the city of Tira did not prevent the killing of the general director of the municipality and the wounding of others. The solution is not in the hands of the police, but in changing the state's policy towards the Arabs.

— المحامي:محمد أبو ريا (@thanku20101) August 22, 2023

Reacting to the loss of the Director General, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel penned a poignant letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He emphasized that such acts of violence against elected officials or candidates during election times are a direct attack on the symbols of government. Arbel asserted that the advanced capabilities of the Shin Bet should be leveraged to both prevent and thoroughly investigate such sinister acts, especially during the sensitive election period the nation is currently experiencing.