Palestinian bookstore owners Mahmoud Muna and his nephew Ahmad Muna were placed under house arrest for five days on Monday, February 10, following a raid on their bookshop at occupied East Jerusalem. Israeli police stormed the Educational Bookshop on Sunday, arresting the two over allegations of selling books that promote “incitement and support for terrorism.” Israeli occupation officers handcuffed them, ransacked the store and confiscated numerous publications.

The bookstore, well-known among Palestinians, Israelis, diplomats, researchers and expats, is recognized for its wide selection of English-language books on Palestinian identity and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Israeli police cited a children’s coloring book titled “From the River to the Sea” as evidence against them.

MKs Touma-Sliman and Cassif during the solidarity visit to Educational Bookshop at occupied East Jerusalem, Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (Photo: Zo Haderekh)

The arrests drew swift backlash in Israel and abroad. On Monday morning, a protest took place outside the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court during a hearing on the booksellers’ detention. Among those presents were Hadash activists, MK Ayman Odeh (Hadash), and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Nathan Thrall. The Palestinian owners were formally accused of disrupting public order rather than incitement, as the latter charge would have required approval from prosecutors. No charges have been filed.

On Wednesday morning a delegation of Hadash activists visited the Educational Bookstore together with MKs Odeh, Aida Touma-Sliman and Ofer Cassif. “The occupation government and its arms on the ground persecute every critical voice and anyone or anything that might encourage independent thought. Persecution will not triumph! The struggle against it will!” said Cassif.

“I left the wonderful bookstore of Ahmad and Mahmoud Muna, which was raided by the police earlier this week. During the raid, these two incredible men were arrested on charges of “disturbing public order” – selling books. They were held for two days, released to house arrest, and banned from their own bookstore for 20 days. I am proud of Mahmoud and Ahmad for standing firm in their right to peacefully resist the occupation through books and literature. This campaign of incitement and intimidation will not silence the just struggle. I invite everyone in East Jerusalem to visit this remarkable bookstore, explore its rich collection, and show support by buying books,” agreed Touma-Sliman.