Epal European Palestinian Media Center Bulletin, Issue No. 2391, Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

1. On the first day of Eid al-Fitr… the occupation escalates its attacks in the West Bank**

Israeli occupation forces escalated their attacks in several areas of the West Bank on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.
They prevented residents from reaching the Martyrs’ Cemetery on the outskirts of the Jenin camp, deploying soldiers around it.
They also obstructed families from visiting the graves of their martyred children, forcibly removing them from the area.

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**2. Prisoners… forcibly absent from Eid amid systematic extermination policies**
Thousands of Palestinian and Arab prisoners in Israeli prisons are marking Eid al-Fitr deprived of their most basic human rights, amid an unprecedented escalation of repression and isolation policies that have turned prisons into “fields of extermination,” according to human rights organizations.
By early March 2026, the number of prisoners had exceeded 9,500, including 79 women and 350 children held in Megiddo and Ofer prisons.
Statistics also show an expansion of detention without clear charges, with 3,442 administrative detainees—about 36% of the total.

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**3. Settlers storm a school in Nablus and remove the Palestinian flag**
Settlers stormed the al-Lubban al-Sharqiya Girls’ Secondary School south of Nablus on the first day of Eid.
According to local sources, they removed the Palestinian flag from the schoolyard and vandalized property, causing material damage.
This attack is part of ongoing violations targeting educational institutions to intimidate students and residents.

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**4. Occupation prevents Eid prayers at Al-Aqsa and suppresses worshippers**
Israeli forces prevented worshippers from performing Eid prayers in the Bab al-Amud area of Jerusalem, amid heavy police deployment and tightened military measures.
Tear gas was fired at Palestinians near Bab al-Sahira as they attempted to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In a painful scene, the Eid takbirs echoed inside the mosque without prayers being held, as it remained closed for the 21st consecutive day—an unprecedented event since 1967.

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**5. Eid prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque limited to 80 worshippers**
Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on Eid prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, limiting attendance to about 80 worshippers.
The mosque’s director stated that most entrances were closed, allowing access through only one gate with strict inspections.

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**6. Social media turns into a new space of mourning… Eid between lost joy and open wounds**
During holidays, social media platforms become dominated by grief rather than joy.
Eid becomes a time to remember martyrs and lost loved ones, turning into a shared space of mourning.
Women grieving husbands and children, children suffering the loss of parents, and adults facing an overwhelming void.
Every post and image reflects the war, reminding that life in Gaza has become a daily struggle between survival and ongoing loss.

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### *European*

**7. Germany withdraws support for Israel in Gaza genocide case**
A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Germany will not intervene on behalf of Israel at the International Court of Justice.
This marks a shift from its 2024 position, when it supported Israel and rejected genocide accusations.

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**8. Solidarity art event in Rome in support of Gaza**
On Saturday, March 21, Rome will host an artistic and solidarity event featuring the project “Potenziali Bersagli 2026.”
The initiative includes cultural and humanitarian activities aimed at supporting Gaza and raising funds for a memorial to victims.
The project presents art as a tool of resistance and awareness.

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**9. Human Rights Watch calls on Hungary to arrest Netanyahu**
The organization urged Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits, based on an International Criminal Court warrant.
Reports suggest he may travel to Hungary on March 21 to attend a political conference.

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**10. Protest in Ireland against exporting livestock to Israel**
Activists staged a protest at Greenore port against a ship carrying thousands of live cattle to Israel.
They condemned human rights violations as well as the conditions in which animals are transported.
They also called on the Irish government to review its trade policies.

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**11. Protests target Australian Prime Minister over support for Israel**
During a visit to a major mosque, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was confronted by protesters.
They chanted slogans condemning his support for the war in Gaza.

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**12. Protest against Teledyne Technologies in the UK**
In Bradford, activists protested against the U.S. company accused of contributing to Israeli military operations.
Participants called for an end to its activities.

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**13. Protest at the Free University of Brussels against Elbit Systems**
Activists called for ending cooperation with the Israeli military company Elbit Systems.
They accused the university of being involved in research linked to the arms industry.

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**14. Amnesty calls on UK health authority to end contract**
Amnesty International urged England’s NHS to terminate its contract with Palantir Technologies.
According to the organization, the company contributes to human rights violations in Gaza.

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### *International*

**15. U.S. senator moves to block arms sale to Israel**
Senator Bernie Sanders announced efforts to block a $658.8 million arms sale to Israel.
He described the conflict as an illegal and unconstitutional war.

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**16. FIFA imposes “light sanctions” on Israel**
FIFA imposed a €165,000 fine and issued an official warning to the Israeli federation.
However, it did not meet demands for full exclusion from competitions.

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**17. India bans screening of a film “out of respect for Israel”**
India reportedly banned the screening of the documentary “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which tells the story of a child killed in Gaza.
The decision is said to aim at preserving diplomatic relations with Israel.