Escalating clashes: Israeli nationalists intensify physical confrontations
Israeli Nationalists Ignite Violence During Jerusalem Flag March
In a turbulent turn of events, the annual Flag March in Jerusalem, commemorating the city's capture in 1967, escalated into riots on Monday. Thousands of Israeli nationalists, predominantly young settlers from the occupied West Bank, paraded through the Old City, inciting violence against Palestinian shop owners and journalists.
The demonstrators initially targeted the few Palestinian shop owners who had kept their businesses open, a witness reported. As the march progressed, they attacked left-wing Israeli activists and members of the press, chanting nationalist slogans and calling for the death of Arabs. Eyewitnesses also reported physical attacks on bystanders and Arab shops, with the Israeli police apparently unwilling to intervene.
Journalists on the scene were told they would not be under police protection if they followed the group. A police officer indicated that the participants, many of whom were under 18, could not be arrested.
Anticipating violent attacks, many Palestinian shop owners had closed their businesses early. The march, which weaves through narrow streets in the predominantly Arab Old City, amplifies feelings of threat among local residents due to the displays of nationalism.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirmed his country's claim to the city, stating, "We will keep Jerusalem united, complete, and under Israeli control." Palestinians view the march as a provocation that undermines their aspiration for East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.
Further fueling tensions, right-wing extremist Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint between Jews and Muslims. In a recorded statement, he announced, "Today, thank God, it is already possible to pray on the Temple Mount." The compound, sacred to both religions, is managed by an Islamic foundation from Jordan under a decades-old agreement that stipulates Jews can visit but not pray there. The Palestinian Authority and Jordan condemned the minister's visit.
Sources: ntv.de, toh/dpa/rts
Historically, the Flag March has been a source of tension between Israelis and Palestinians, leading to clashes and contributing to broader conflicts. The event draws international attention, with countries emphasizing the importance of preventing violence and respecting the historical status quo, as custodianship of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem lies with Jordan.
The European Union expressed concern over the escalation of violence during the Jerusalem Flag March, urging both Israeli and Palestinians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could exacerbate war-and-conflicts in the region. In light of the event's repercussions on general-news and crime-and-justice, global politics are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
