Israeli Police Arrest Brothers Over Allegedly Inciting Children's Book

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Israeli police arrested Ahmad and Mahmud Muna, owners of the Educational Bookshop in East Jerusalem, on charges of selling books that allegedly incite terrorism. The incident, which occurred during a police raid on their stores, has drawn international condemnation, particularly for the seizure of a children's coloring book titled "From the River to the Sea." This slogan, often chanted at pro-Palestinian protests, is said to undermine Israel's legitimacy, according to Israeli observers.

The Educational Bookshop is known for carrying literature on the history of Israel and Palestine, regularly hosting cultural events and readings. Ahmad Muna has been recognized in diplomatic circles, previously participating in discussions organized by Germany’s diplomatic mission to Palestine. Following the arrest, Germany's ambassador to Israel expressed concern, describing the Muna family as "peace-loving" and open to intellectual discourse. Other European diplomats also attended the court proceedings to show solidarity. The court extended the brothers' detention by one day, followed by five days of house arrest, while both stores reopened shortly after the incident.

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