Israel nationalists intensify physical conflicts: Nationalists in Israel further aggravate physical hostilities
In the heart of Jerusalem, tensions escalated during the annual Flag March on Monday, traditionally celebrating Israel's conquest of East Jerusalem in 1967. Clashes erupted between Israeli nationalists and Palestinians, with the nationalists harassing local shop owners and attacking left-wing activists and journalists. Chants of "Death to the Arabs" were heard, while the Israeli police present did not intervene. Thousands participated in the march, which involves waving flags through predominantly Arab neighborhoods like the Old City's Muslim Quarter, frequently sparking unrest.
The violence was further fueled by a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister. Ben Gvir, known for his provocative actions, announced that Jews could now pray on the Temple Mount – a significant flashpoint between Jews and Muslims. The site is considered holy by both religions, and according to a decades-long agreement, it is managed by an Islamic foundation from Jordan, with Jews only allowed to visit, not pray.
In another development, heavily armed Israeli forces stormed three UNRWA schools in the Shu’fat refugee camp in East Jerusalem on May 8, 2025, forcibly removing over 550 children and detaining a staff member. This incident led to the evacuation of all UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem for the day, drawing condemnation from UN experts who viewed it as a breach of international humanitarian law.
The ongoing military operations and search raids in Palestinian areas have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and detentions, further aggravating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. UN experts have called for the protection of civilians, especially children, and for the cessation of actions that violate international law.
As the cycle of escalation continues, the international community is urging for diplomatic intervention to de-escalate tensions and to uphold the protection of civilian rights in Jerusalem.
The European Union expressed concern over the ongoing war-and-conflicts and escalating politics in Jerusalem, following the violence during the annual Flag March and the storming of UNRWA schools. In a general news statement, they condemned the actions of Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, in visitng the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and announcing Jews could now pray on the Temple Mount, a move that aggravates crime-and-justice and continually fuels tensions.
