An Arab resident of Silwan in eastern Jerusalem was stabbed to death in what could be retaliation for selling an apartment building to Jews.
Other reports say the early Friday morning murder by a family member was the result of a family feud.
Neighbors who witnessed the fight told police that the argument was over the sale of the homes to a Jewish group, according to the Jerusalem Post, though police said the murder was part of a family dispute.
Some Silwan residents have questioned the legality of the purchase, saying the buildings belong to three established Arab families in the neighborhood, the Times of Israel reported.
On Sept. 30, several families moved into the apartments in eastern Jerusalem, causing rioting in the neighborhood.
The apartments were vacant when the Jewish families moved into them.
“There is absolutely no connection between the parties involved in the killing in Silwan overnight Thursday and any real estate transactions between Jews and Arabs in the vicinity,” Ze’ev Orenstein, director of International Affairs for Elad Foundation, told JTA. “The events took place in the context of a local clan dispute. This is nothing more than an effort to enflame tensions between local Arabs and Jews.”
About 50 families live in Silwan, known to Jews as Shiloach, located next to the City of David and across from the Western Wall.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.