Tensions Rise During Israel’s East Jerusalem March Amid Chants

Thousands of Israeli nationalists marched through Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday during the annual Jerusalem Day parade. The event marked Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. The march passed through the Muslim Quarter under heavy security, while thousands of police officers guarded key areas across the city.

Several young marchers waved Israeli flags and shouted slogans, including “Death to Arabs” and “May your villages burn”. However, Israeli authorities continued the parade route toward the Western Wall, one of Judaism’s holiest sites. Police also placed barricades near Damascus Gate and restricted entry for non-residents during the event.

Many Palestinian residents stayed inside their homes as the march moved through the Old City. In addition, several shopkeepers closed their businesses before the parade. Palestinians view the Jerusalem Day procession as a provocation and as a challenge to their historic ties to East Jerusalem.

Israel captured East Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed the area. However, the United Nations and most countries do not recognize the annexation. Palestinians continue to seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a future state, while Israel considers the entire city its capital. The annual Jerusalem Day march again highlighted the deep divide at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ben-Gvir Visit and Nationalist Slogans Deepen Jerusalem Day Tensions

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount compound during the Jerusalem Day events on Thursday. He also raised an Israeli flag at the site as security personnel stood nearby. The visit added to tensions across Jerusalem’s Old City during the annual nationalist march.

The compound holds major religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. Jews refer to the site as the Temple Mount, while Muslims call it Al Haram Al Sharif. Under a decades-old arrangement, a Jordanian Islamic foundation manages the compound. Jews can visit the area however, they are not officially allowed to pray there. Ben-Gvir has repeatedly pushed for Jewish prayer rights at the site.

The annual Jerusalem Day parade often leads to confrontations and angry nationalist slogans. This year, several marchers shouted chants while moving through the Muslim Quarter. In addition, Israeli police removed some activists and members of the media from parts of the Old City before later allowing journalists to return under restrictions near the Austrian Hospice.

Palestinians view the Jerusalem Day procession as part of a broader effort to strengthen Jewish presence across Jerusalem. They also believe the march weakens Palestinian ties to the city. The dispute remains one of the central issues in the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Web Resources on East Jerusalem March Amid Chants

1. Guardian.com : Israeli nationalists chant ‘death to Arabs’ in violent Jerusalem Day march
2. Reuters.com : Israelis mark capture of East Jerusalem with Old City parade, racist chants.
3. CNA.com : Israelis chant threats, anti-Palestinian slogans at Jerusalem Day march