Escalated disputes: Israeli nationalists intensify aggressive demonstrations
In the heart of East Jerusalem, tensions boiled over during the annual flag march, marking Israel's 1967 conquest of the city. The demonstration, primarily consisting of Israeli nationalists and settlers from the occupied West Bank, culminated in violent clashes with Palestinians, left-wing activists, journalists, and shop owners.
Eyewitnesses reported harassment of Palestinian shop owners and assaults on bystanders and Arab shops throughout the Old City, which hosts many businesses fearing attacks. The Israeli police present failed to intervene, with officers attributing this to the age of the perpetrators—most being under 18.
Controversy erupted as the marchers chanted nationalist slogans, including "Death to the Arabs," leading to further escalation. Thousands participated in the march and waved blue-and-white Israeli flags through the narrow streets of the predominantly Arab Old City.
Palestinians view the march as a deliberate provocation, challenging their claim to East Jerusalem as the future capital of their state. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his country's claim to the city, stating, "We will keep Jerusalem united, complete, and under Israeli control."
International scrutiny grew in response to the march, with the UAE, Jordan, and the United Nations expressing concern regarding the violations of international humanitarian law and protection of Palestinian rights amid the ongoing Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem.
Such incidents have sparked attention towards the treatment of minors involved in such violent incidents, with ongoing issues regarding their detention, conditions, and access to due process under international standards like the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The international community continues to call for Israel's adherence to these norms.
The European Union expressed its concern over the annual flag march in East Jerusalem, viewing it as a contentious political issue and part of the general-news narrative. Meanwhile, the European Union closely monitors the treatment of minors involved in such violent incidents, advocating for their rights and adherence to international standards, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
