1. Jerusalem Day March Marred by Hate and Violence
Jerusalem was thrust into renewed turmoil on Monday as far-right Israeli groups stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and a United Nations facility during the annual Jerusalem Day march. The procession, meant to commemorate Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, turned into a display of aggression and hate.
Chants of “Death to Arabs” and “May your village burn” echoed through the narrow alleys of Jerusalem’s Old City as Israeli demonstrators—some waving flags—marched through the Muslim quarter. The volatile atmosphere, amplified by ultranationalist sentiment, heightened fears among Palestinian residents and shopkeepers, who were subjected to verbal abuse, physical confrontations, and even spitting.
Thousands of armed Israeli police and border officers were deployed in anticipation of unrest. Despite their presence, multiple reports emerged of settlers harassing Palestinians, including children and activists. At least two individuals were detained at the scene.
2. Israeli Politicians Join Provocative Storming of Al-Aqsa and UNRWA Compound
The situation escalated further when over 2,000 Israelis, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of Islam’s holiest sites. Ben-Gvir posted a video from the compound claiming to pray for Israel’s military success and the release of hostages.
This high-profile intrusion, backed by armed police, was denounced by the Jerusalem Waqf—the Islamic religious authority managing the site under Jordanian oversight. The Waqf criticized the visit as a blatant provocation and called for an immediate halt to such incursions, reiterating that only Muslims are permitted to pray within the compound under current agreements.
Simultaneously, a small group of protesters, including Israeli parliamentarian Yulia Malinovsky, climbed the gates of a UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) compound in East Jerusalem. UNRWA West Bank coordinator Roland Friedrich confirmed the breach, noting that Israeli police were present during the act.
3. A Pattern of Escalation and Historic Context
This is not the first time the Jerusalem Day march has been marred by violence. Last year’s procession witnessed attacks on journalists and public calls for Palestinian blood. Four years ago, similar provocations were among the key triggers for an 11-day war in Gaza.
UNRWA, now banned by Israel from operating within occupied territories and the state itself, has served Palestinian refugees for over seven decades, including critical support in the Gaza Strip. The agency’s exclusion has had devastating effects on humanitarian aid, particularly amidst ongoing conflict.
As Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim reported from Doha—due to the network being banned in Israel—the events reflect a broader effort to enforce Israeli control over East Jerusalem. “Video footage shows citizens attacking Palestinian shops and hurling objects,” she said. “It’s a reminder that in this environment, no one has immunity.”
