In a recent development reported by Israeli Police on Tuesday evening, officers from the Northern Police District apprehended and questioned 13 individuals suspected of involvement in a violent confrontation that erupted among dozens of students at a school in Maj’ar. The incident left four students with minor injuries. At this juncture, the Police are actively investigating the full details and background of this incident.

The Israeli Police have issued a statement urging both formal and informal leaders to take measures to prevent bullying and violent behavior. They emphasize that such events can cast a dark shadow over community relations among residents.

מתח רב בכפר מגאר בין דרוזים למוסלמים עכשיו ... נער מוסלמי הביע תמיכה בחמאס והתוצאה 30 פצועים מהצד המוסלמי לפי דיווחים משם ... הדרוזים האלה משוגעים .. צפו pic.twitter.com/u3PeyDJLYV

— כל החדשות בזמן אמת 🟢 (@Saher95755738) October 25, 2023

A source, with knowledge of the incident, shared insights with reporters from the Israeli newspaper “Maariv.” According to this source, the altercation at the high school was sparked by a statement expressing support for Hamas. A Muslim student voiced support for Hamas and its activities, which triggered a response from Druze students. Many of these Druze students have family members serving as soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who are actively countering Hamas. These students took exception to the support for a terrorist organization and engaged in a heated argument, which ultimately escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the injuries of four individuals.

The school in question is a diverse one, with students from various religious and ethnic backgrounds, including Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Consequently, occasional tensions or conflicts between these groups can arise, especially during periods of military operations or conflict. The source noted that this isn't the first time that a disagreement has escalated into a physical confrontation, particularly between Muslim and Druze students.

This incident comes on the heels of a decision by the Israeli government to prepare for the possible evacuation of communities situated two to five kilometers from the northern border. This includes the Druze community of Khorfish. While the security cabinet eventually approved this decision, leaders within the Druze community expressed their disagreement with the evacuation plan. They have resolved that, if necessary, they will voluntarily evacuate vulnerable members of their community, such as women, children, the elderly, and the infirm, to other Druze villages, mainly Dalit Al-Carmel and Usafia.

חורפיש . בית גאן . כסרא סמיע . ירכא גוליס . עין אלאסד . ראמה . סאגור . אבו סנאן . כפר יאסיף ... ג'ת .. כל הכפרים האלה הם ממרחק 5 דקות ורבע שעה מהגבול הצפוני ... דרוזים בעת מלחמה כוללת בצפון לא יתפנו . הם רק יתפנו לחיזבאללה ויחטפו ויהרגו את המחבלים שלו כמו ששוחטים את הפרות והעזים pic.twitter.com/ozxgvdqPcE

— כל החדשות בזמן אמת 🟢 (@Saher95755738) October 20, 2023

In a joint statement, the Druze community leaders declared, "All the young men and women will stay in the houses of the village and prepare to defend it at all costs." Furthermore, they have committed to preparing the Prophet Shuaib’s tomb complex to accommodate civilians during times of crisis and have pledged to collaborate with frontline and IDF emergency command officials.