Pharmacist Shot and Wounded in Sakhnin After Refusing Protection Racket
Two masked gunmen shot and moderately wounded pharmacist Awad Zbeidat inside his Sakhnin pharmacy. The victim had previously refused extortion demands of 250,000 shekels from local crime organizations.
Two masked gunmen broke into the "Al-Pharmashani" pharmacy in Sakhnin on Saturday night and opened fire on pharmacist Awad Zbeidat, moderately wounding him. Zbeidat was evacuated to the Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya for medical treatment.
The shooting took place in front of Zbeidat's wife and two customers who were inside the pharmacy at the time and narrowly escaped injury. According to eyewitnesses, the two armed men entered the pharmacy and fired several rounds at Zbeidat. Despite being hit, he attempted to chase them and threw objects at them before they fled the scene on foot. Police forces arrived at the scene and launched an investigation and searches for the suspects. No arrests have been reported yet.
History of Threats and Extortion
Saturday's shooting follows a series of threats and attacks against Zbeidat and his business over his refusal to pay protection money. Last month, it was reported that over 50 bullets were fired at the business in two separate incidents within a month, after Zbeidat received extortion demands for approximately 250,000 shekels.
Following the shootings and due to customers' fear of visiting the pharmacy, Zbeidat temporarily closed the business and declared an open strike. In a previous interview, he explained his stance:
"I will not pay protection money under any circumstances. I do not work, toil, and invest just to hand my money over to people who have no right to it. I cannot pay even a single shekel."
Zbeidat opened the pharmacy about two years ago, investing significant capital, and stated that he and his wife worked "day and night" to build their future. He urged other business owners not to surrender to extortion, calling on them to fight back resolutely.
Public Outrage in Sakhnin
Following the shooting, dozens of Sakhnin residents gathered at the pharmacy to protest the ongoing violence, shootings, and protection rackets plaguing the city.
Anger in Sakhnin over organized crime and extortion is part of a broader crisis. In January, the city became the focal point of protests when local business owners suffering from extortion went on strike. The protest later expanded across the Arab sector, with tens of thousands participating in a demonstration in Sakhnin to demand increased government and police action against organized crime families.
