Clash of Israeli nationalists: Intensified Violence during Flag Demonstration
Israeli Nationalists Clash with Palestinians During Flag March in Jerusalem
Thousands of Israeli nationalists celebrated the conquest of East Jerusalem, a predominantly Arab district, during the annual Flag March, leading to violent clashes with Palestinian demonstrators.
On Monday, the controversial parade proceeded through Jerusalem's Old City, resulting in skirmishes between the participants and local residents. Israeli settlers, primarily from the occupied West Bank, were reported to have harassed Palestinian shop owners prior to the parade.
As the flag-waving demonstrators continued, they attacked leftist Israeli activists, journalists, and Palestinian shop owners. Nationalist chants, including "Death to the Arabs," were heard, and eyewitnesses reported assaults on bystanders and Arab shops. Israeli police, present at the scene, did not intervene.
No official comment was obtained regarding the incidents, and no immediate arrests were reported. A police officer stated that young participants could not be arrested due to their age. Journalists were warned they would not receive police protection if they accompanied the group.
Tensions throughout the event were high, with the march regarded by Palestinians as a provocation undermining their claim to East Jerusalem as their future capital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his nation's claim to the city at a cabinet meeting in East Jerusalem, stating that they would maintain control over the city.
Meanwhile, the right-wing Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, stirred controversy by visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. His visit was condemned by the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, as the site is considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. The complex has long been a flashpoint between the two religions, with the decades-old agreement stipulating that it is managed by an Islamic foundation from Jordan. Jews are allowed to visit but not to pray there.
The history and context of the Flag March indicate that it is a polarizing event in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It exacerbates tensions between the communities, perpetuating a narrative of Israeli dominance over Jerusalem that Palestinians find offensive. The march disrupts daily life for Palestinians in the Muslim Quarter, where businesses and homes may be targeted by marchers.
The Flag March's impact on Palestinian communities is significant, causing both immediate distress and long-term political repercussions. While Israeli forces are present to maintain security, their presence can also restrict Palestinian movement and access to their businesses and homes. The event reinforces Palestinian perceptions of Israeli control over Jerusalem, undermining their aspirations for sovereignty.
Source: ntv.de, toh/dpa/rts
- Israel
- Jerusalem
The European Union expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and provocative actions during the annual Flag March in Jerusalem, a city that is deeply significant to three major religions and is the subject of ongoing conflict.
This event, which Occurred in the heart of the Old City, saw Israeli nationalists clashing with Palestinians, resulting in skirmishes and attacks on Arab shop owners and leftist activists. These actions have led to widespread condemnation and calls for a more peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the European Union emphasizing the need for dialogue and respect for each other's rights.
