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Ben-Gvir orders the ban on a charity event in Wadi al-Joz and the arrest of its organizers
October 9, 2025

The Israeli occupation authorities banned a meeting of cultural and sports clubs and associations in the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood of Jerusalem, claiming it was sponsored by the Palestinian Authority.

Occupation forces stormed the headquarters of the Union of Charitable Societies in the city, stationed themselves at its main gate, and evicted those present. They informed them of the decision to ban the event. They also detained the union's general president, Majdi Zghayyar, and its general manager, Yousef Qarri, inside the headquarters before arresting them.

The occupation authorities posted the ban, signed by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, on the door of the headquarters. The ban, dated October 8, 2025, states:

"There is an intention to hold a conference sponsored by the Palestinian Authority without a written permit," indicating that the decision is based on the so-called "Law Implementing the Central Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip/Limiting Activities/1994."

The meeting was scheduled to be held at the Federation's headquarters to introduce the newly elected president and board members to various institutions in Jerusalem.

Ben-Gvir stated that he would not allow the Palestinian Authority to organize any activity within the borders of the "State of Israel," adding, "By virtue of my authority, I hereby order that the aforementioned event not be held and that such activities be prohibited at any other time within the State of Israel, whether on the specified date or at any other time."

Siraj Abu Arafa, a lawyer for the Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Jerusalem, explained that Zghayyar and Qarri were detained at the "Rooms 4" police station in West Jerusalem. After being interrogated, they were released on the condition that they appear for questioning if summoned.

This year, the occupation authorities, by order of Ben-Gvir, have banned a number of Palestinian events in Jerusalem, including:

• In April: A meeting at the headquarters of the Palestinian Federation of Trade Unions was banned and its secretary was arrested.

• In July: Elections for the Palestinian Bar Association were banned and participants were summoned for questioning.

• In August: Elections for the Doctors Association were banned and the head of the supervisory committee was arrested.