Fire of over 50 bullets: forced to close pharmacy after refusing protection money

Awad Zbeidat, a pharmacist from Sakhnin, closed his pharmacy 'Al-Farmashani' after more than 50 bullets were fired at the business in two separate incidents within one month, following his refusal to pay protection money exceeding 200,000 shekels. Zbeidat declared an open strike in protest and called on the public to oppose the phenomenon.

Awad Zbeidat, a pharmacist from Sakhnin, decided to close his pharmacy 'Al-Farmashani' after more than 50 bullets were fired at the business in two separate incidents during one month. According to him, unidentified individuals shot at the pharmacy after he refused to pay protection money amounting to more than 200,000 shekels. Zbeidat recounted that the first shooting occurred about a month ago, and afterwards he began receiving phone calls with payment demands. He refused to give in, and a few days ago shots were fired at the business again. As a result, he declared an open strike in protest. He noted that customers were afraid to come, and that the police were unable to reach the perpetrators. The police stated that an investigation has been opened and is ongoing.