Jerusalem, 12 March, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli police said a fire in a temporary structure in the Palestinian village of Khirbet El Merkaz overnight was caused by a careless electrical connection, not arson as claimed by local residents.
Investigators at the scene of the Wednesday night fire found the blaze originated with a negligently connected electrical cable. Further tests showed no traces of accelerants, confirming the fire was accidental.