During the annual Jerusalem Day march, young ultranationalist Israeli Jews paraded through Muslim neighborhoods in Jerusalem’s Old City, chanting anti-Arab slogans and provoking local residents. Palestinian shopkeepers closed early, and Israeli police maintained a heavy presence.
Despite the heat, marchers sang and danced through the streets, and a police officer was seen celebrating with participants. The atmosphere turned aggressive, with marchers vandalizing property and harassing Palestinian residents, echoing previous years’ tensions.
Jerusalem Day March Highlights Deep Divisions Over City’s Status and National Identity
The event marks Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast war, a moment Israeli Jews view as the unification of their capital. However, Palestinians see it as an occupation. The status of Jerusalem remains a major point of contention in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While Israel claims the whole city as its undivided capital, the international community does not recognize its annexation of East Jerusalem. The march has historically been a flashpoint, inciting violence and heightening hostilities between communities.
Jerusalem Day March Fuels Tensions as Nationalists Clash With Palestinians in Divided Old CityThis year’s march brought hundreds of ultranationalist Jews from settlements outside Jerusalem. Stickers declaring “Gaza is ours” were plastered over Arab shops. Incidents of verbal abuse were reported, with marchers calling a Palestinian woman derogatory names.
Pro-peace groups like Standing Together tried to de-escalate tensions by standing between residents and marchers. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to a united Jerusalem, urging international recognition and investment in the city.
Far-Right Politicians Visit Al-Aqsa, Heightening Tensions Over Sacred Jerusalem Site
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and other far-right politicians visited the Al-Aqsa compound, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews. Although an understanding has long prevented Jews from praying there, Ben-Gvir claimed this restriction is changing.
These visits, seen by Palestinians as provocative, have historically triggered violence. Despite police assurances that marchers would not enter the site, the growing presence of Jews praying there has led to increasing Palestinian fears of status quo violations.
Earlier in the day, a group of Israeli protesters, including a legislator, stormed a U.N. compound operated by UNRWA in East Jerusalem. They called for the site to be turned into an Israeli settlement. The compound has largely been empty since January due to safety concerns for UNRWA staff. The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of harboring Hamas ties, allegations denied by the U.N. No police action was reported despite the clear violation.
For many Israelis, Jerusalem Day represents national pride and religious fulfillment, particularly access to the Western Wall. However, the day increasingly symbolizes division and provocation, especially as it has been co-opted by nationalist groups.
The growing intensity of the march, paired with ongoing war in Gaza and tensions in East Jerusalem, reinforces the complexity and volatility surrounding the city’s contested status. The contrasting celebrations and protests illustrate how deeply rooted and unresolved the conflict over Jerusalem remains.