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Far-right Israeli groups held their annual flag March through occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, commemorating Israel’s 1967 occupation of the city. The event sparked renewed tensions, with confrontations reported between marchers, Palestinians, and journalists.
Thousands of nationalist Israelis waving flags and far-right banners marched to the symbolic Damascus Gate, a key entrance to the Old City. Israeli police erected numerous barricades and restricted Palestinian access to the area.
Marchers reportedly harassed Palestinian shopkeepers, forcing some to close their businesses. In front of the Austrian Hospice, participants danced and chanted provocative slogans, including “Death to Arabs.”
At Damascus Gate, far-right demonstrators attempted to provoke Palestinians. In one incident, an elderly Palestinian man was pushed to the ground. Journalists covering the event were also targeted by marchers, who attempted to prevent filming. Israeli police intermittently intervened, at times using force against both reporters and demonstrators.
Palestinian residents of the Old City, including women and children, were only allowed to leave the area under police supervision. Despite the heavy security presence, far-right groups continued their attempts to confront Palestinian civilians.
Human rights activists, including Israeli citizens, who came to support Palestinians, were also confronted by marchers. Police stepped in to separate the two sides and prevent escalation.
The "Flag March" is held annually according to the Hebrew calendar and is widely viewed as a provocation by Palestinians. The route passes through densely populated Palestinian neighborhoods in the Old City, often resulting in violence and property damage.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War. Under international law, East Jerusalem is considered occupied territory. In 1980, Israel unilaterally declared the entire city its “undivided capital”—a move not recognized by the majority of the international community.
Israeli settlement activity in East Jerusalem—aimed at altering the city’s demographic balance—is considered illegal under international law.
Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state and accuse Israel of enacting discriminatory policies while attempting to "Judaize" the city through forced displacement and settlement expansion.
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