LONDON: Police in Israel last week arrested a Palestinian man dressed as Santa Claus at a Christmas celebration in Haifa, The Guardian reported.

The Christmas event was closed on Sunday, after Israeli officers stormed the area and confiscated equipment, the Mossawa Center, a rights group for Palestinian citizens of Israel, said.

The Palestinian Santa Claus performer was arrested, as well as a DJ and street vendor.

In a video circulating on social media, police can be seen forcing the men to the ground and handcuffing them, as crowds of bystanders watch on.

The Palestinian man dressed as Santa Claus resisted arrest and assaulted an officer, Israeli police said in a statement.