The Israeli police arrested a Palestinian dressed as Santa Claus at a party in Haifa, confiscating equipment and using excessive force, according to a human rights group.

During a raid at a Christmas party in Haifa, the Israeli police arrested a Palestinian dressed in a Santa Claus costume, along with a DJ and a street vendor. The incident was reported by a civil rights observer, who mentioned that the police used excessive force, throwing the man to the ground and handcuffing him. Israeli authorities justified the arrest by stating that the man had resisted and assaulted an officer.

The raid was conducted without legal authorization, according to the Mossawa Center, a human rights group. The arrests took place in the context of Christmas celebrations, while Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza were celebrating despite the restrictions imposed by Israeli forces. In Gaza, the Christian community celebrated Christmas for the first time since the beginning of the war, while Israeli attacks continued, including the uprooting of olive groves and raids on Palestinian homes. Reports indicate an increase in attacks against Christians in Israel.