A nationalist parade in Jerusalem led to clashes between far-right marchers and Palestinians, prompting widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and international observers during a period marked by escalating violence in Gaza.**
Tensions Rise in Jerusalem as Nationalist March Sparks Violence Against Palestinians**
Tensions Rise in Jerusalem as Nationalist March Sparks Violence Against Palestinians**
Far-right activists marked Jerusalem Day with provocative chants and violence, reigniting tensions amid ongoing conflict in the region.**
Crowds of far-right Israelis clashed with Palestinians during an annual Jerusalem Day parade held on Monday, as nationalistic fervor escalated tensions in the divided city. Chants of "death to Arabs" and other incendiary slogans echoed through the streets, commemorating the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, which remains a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The event drew thousands of nationalist Israelis to the historic Damascus Gate, a prominent entrance into the walled Old City. Reports indicated that right-wing activists carried banners asserting their claim to both East Jerusalem and Gaza, inciting anger among local Palestinian residents. Witnesses described incidents of harassment directed towards Palestinian traders, compounding the already fraught atmosphere.
Israeli police intervened as violence erupted, detaining several aggressive marchers in an attempt to quell the unrest. Opposition politician Yair Lapid criticized the event as a "festival of hatred and racism," decrying the failure of government officials to speak out against such rhetoric. This sentiment was echoed by fellow opposition leader Yair Golan, who labeled the scenes of violence as "shocking."
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir addressed the marchers, advocating for harsh measures against "terrorists" and leading a controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is administered by Jordanian authorities and is considered sacred by both Muslims and Jews.
Criticism of the march extended beyond local opposition, with Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for the Palestinian presidency, condemning both the parade and Ben Gvir's actions as provocations undermining regional stability.
As Jerusalem Day coincides with the ongoing war in Gaza, international observers have expressed concern over the rising death toll in Gaza, which has reportedly surpassed 53,939, including many children, since hostilities escalated in early October. The complexities surrounding Jerusalem, claimed as a capital by both Israelis and Palestinians, remain central to the deep-rooted conflict in the region.
This year's events underline the persistent tensions as both sides continue to grapple with the implications of territorial disputes, violence, and the quest for peace amidst ongoing warfare.
