"We have information and indications about the intention of certain parties to turn the funeral into an incitement campaign, but we have no intention of allowing this," senior Jerusalem police officials said today (Thursday) ahead of the expected funeral tomorrow afternoon of Sheerin Abu Akala, a journalist from Al Jazeera who was killed yesterday. During an exchange of fire between IDF forces and gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp.
The Christian funeral is expected to move from Magen Habonim to Mount Zion in the city.
Police estimate that crowds are expected to attend.
"Our goal is to allow the funeral to be held in a dignified and lawful manner with sensitivity to all the rules," a senior Jerusalem police officer said yesterday, adding, "On the other hand, the police were instructed to show determination in the face of any riots at this funeral."
Police tried to hold a dialogue with family members on the matter but were met with a refusal.
"As much as there are hostile,
criminal, instigating and rioting elements we will know how to deal with them whether they are nearby or elsewhere," the senior officer added.
Protesters after the death of journalist Sheerin Abu Akala, Photo: Reuters
It was learned that the police's preparations for securing the funeral would be covert and overt and in several circles in order to prevent friction and violence.
"We try to have a dialogue with the family so that everything takes place safely and without provocation," says another source in the Jerusalem police.
"We will not allow the funeral to be used as a cover for disturbances. We know that various parties will use it for incitement, as has taken place in recent days near the family home. We will know how to deal with them as well."
Meanwhile, police districts are preparing to mark Nakba Day this coming Sunday.
In previous years, the day was marked without special events, but this year, in light of security tensions and the sharp rise in the number of warnings about the terrorist organizations' intention to offer terrorist attacks, the police were instructed to be vigilant.
In addition, police forces will be concentrated near localities and places where disturbances are expected in order to reach them quickly and prevent them from the very beginning.
Next week, the police will begin discussions in order to approve the plans for Jerusalem Day, which will take place at the end of the month.
The police have already clarified that the intention is to allow the parade to take place accordingly and on the same route as it has taken place in recent years.
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