Ultranationalist Israelis March Through Jerusalem’s Old City Amid Provocative Chants
Thousands of Israeli ultranationalists marched through the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City to mark Jerusalem Day, the anniversary of Israel capturing East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The annual “Flag March” took place under heavy military and police presence, triggering widespread condemnation from Palestinian residents and peace activists.
Key Details of the Event
- Provocative Slogans: Large crowds of mostly young ultranationalists chanted racist and anti-Arab slurs, including “Death to Arabs” and “May your villages burn,” while parading through predominantly Palestinian neighbourhoods.
- Ministerial Presence: Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined the events, escalating tensions by entering the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and asserting Israeli sovereignty over the site.
- Lockdown on Residents: Israeli authorities deployed thousands of police officers in riot gear and erected barricades around the Damascus Gate. Palestinian shopkeepers were forced to shutter their businesses, and local residents barricaded themselves inside their homes to avoid harassment and physical assault.
- Massive Symbols: The event featured tens of thousands of participants waving Israeli flags through the narrow streets, culminating in the unfurling of a massive Israeli flag at the Western Wall.
Context and Legal Status
Israel views the annual procession as a celebration of the “reunification” of its eternal capital. Conversely, Palestinians and the international community consider the parade a blatant provocation. The United Nations and most nations do not recognise Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem, classifying it as occupied territory under international law. Palestinians continue to seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
