Jerusalem Day Parade Sparks Controversy Amidst Tensions
Table of Contents
celebration of Jerusalem’s reunification met with clashes and condemnation.
JERUSALEM – The annual “jerusalem Day” parade in Jerusalem on Monday (May 26) ignited controversy as ISRAELI residents marched through the Old City, resulting in clashes and drawing condemnation from international bodies. The parade coincided with heightened tensions surrounding the al Aqsa Mosque complex and United nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near east (UNRWA) facilities.
Reports indicate that thousands of ISRAELIS participating in the parade chanted provocative slogans as they traversed the Old city, a PALESTINIAN territory under ISRAELI occupation. Jerusalem Day commemorates the ISRAELI annexation of East Jerusalem following the Six-day War in 1967.
“the video shows Israeli citizens in the old city of Jerusalem attacking Palestinian shops and throwing objects at them,”
Among those participating in the parade was ISRAEL’s Minister of national Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, a figure known for his far-right views. Ben-Gvir, along with other politicians, reportedly entered the Al Aqsa Mosque complex during the event.
Ben-Gvir shared a video on his X account, stating he “prayed for victory in the war, for the return of all hostages, and for the success of the new Shin Bet head, Major General David Zini.” Minister of Negev and Galilea, Yitzhak Vaserlauf, and Knesset member Yitzhak Kreuzer were also present.
In anticipation of potential unrest, thousands of police and border forces were deployed. Reports suggest that some parade participants carried ISRAELI flags, obstructed PALESTINIAN traders and pedestrians, and engaged in acts of harassment and intimidation. journalists from AFP reported that police detained at least two teenagers during the event.
Further escalating tensions, a group of parade participants, including a member of the ISRAELI parliament, reportedly entered the East Jerusalem UNRWADI Complex. The Jerusalem Waqf Agency, the entity responsible for managing the Al Aqsa Mosque complex, condemned the actions of Ben-Gvir and other ISRAELI officials, calling for an end to “provocative activity” in the area.
Under the current management of the waqf, appointed by Jordan, only Muslims are permitted to worship within the Al Aqsa Mosque complex.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Nida Ibrahim, characterized the parade as a exhibition of ISRAELI dominance over Jerusalem. “The video shows Israeli citizens in the old city of Jerusalem attacking Palestinian shops and throwing objects at them,” Ibrahim reported from Doha, Qatar, noting that Al Jazeera is prohibited from reporting from ISRAEL and occupied East jerusalem. “All of this reminded again that no one was immune from violence.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Jerusalem Day?
- Jerusalem Day is an ISRAELI national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967,following the Six-Day War. It marks the day ISRAEL captured East Jerusalem.
- Why is Jerusalem Day controversial?
- The celebration is controversial as it is indeed seen by PALESTINIANS as a celebration of the ISRAELI occupation of East Jerusalem. The international community does not recognize ISRAEL’s annexation of East Jerusalem.
- What is the significance of the Al Aqsa Mosque complex?
- The Al Aqsa Mosque complex, also known as Haram al-Sharif, is one of the holiest sites in Islam. It is also a site of religious significance for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. This makes it a frequent flashpoint for conflict.
