Arab-Israelis strike after man shot dead in protest

By Kaamil Ahmed

JERUSALEM (AA) – Arab towns in Israel have shuttered Wednesday for a general strike in protest against the death of a young man outside a police station during clashes early Tuesday.

Shops and schools were closed after Arab-Israeli leaders called for the strike Tuesday, in a statement that called the killing of Muhammad Taha, 21, "cold-blooded murder".

Taha was shot dead outside a police station after clashes broke out in the Arab town of Kafar Qasem when police arrested a local man.

Police said a security guard opened fire after the police station was attacked but Arab-Israelis said Taha was not threatening anyone.

The Arab-Israeli leadership also praised the large attendance at Taha's funeral on Tuesday and called for a mass demonstration in Kafar Qasem on Saturday evening.