Tensions escalated in Jerusalem on Thursday as thousands of Israeli nationalists took part in the annual Flag March through the Old City, with disturbing chants of “death to Arabs” heard among parts of the crowd, drawing condemnation both domestically and internationally.
The march, which marks Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War, is a highly charged event that annually sees nationalist demonstrators waving Israeli flags and walking through predominantly Palestinian neighborhoods, including the Muslim Quarter of the Old City.
While the march is officially promoted as a patriotic celebration, many critics argue it often serves as a platform for extremist rhetoric and provocation. This year, large groups of young marchers were filmed shouting anti-Arab slogans, including “death to Arabs,” as they passed through key sections of the route. Some were also seen clashing verbally with Palestinian residents and activists.
Israeli police deployed a heavy security presence to manage the event and prevent violence, with barricades, road closures, and crowd-control measures in place. Despite the heightened security, skirmishes were reported between marchers and local residents, and several arrests were made.
Human rights groups, as well as members of the international community, swiftly condemned the hateful slogans. Organizations such as B’Tselem and Amnesty International called on Israeli authorities to hold individuals accountable and prevent incitement in future events.
“These chants are not just offensive—they incite violence and deepen the divisions in an already volatile city,” said one human rights advocate. “The Israeli government must take responsibility for allowing this kind of hate to go unchecked.”
The Flag March has long been a flashpoint in Israeli-Palestinian relations, especially given its route through East Jerusalem—a territory considered occupied by most of the international community but claimed in full by Israel. Palestinians see the march as a deliberate provocation and a symbol of occupation.
In response to the events, several Israeli lawmakers criticized the behavior of the extremist participants. “Patriotism does not equal racism,” one member of the Knesset said. “We must not tolerate incitement under the banner of national pride.”
Palestinian officials decried the march as another example of systemic hostility toward Palestinians in Jerusalem, with the Palestinian Authority calling the incident “a reflection of the rising extremism in Israeli society.”
Despite the backlash, the Israeli government defended the right to hold the march, citing freedom of expression and assembly. However, critics argue that stronger action must be taken to prevent hate speech and protect the rights and safety of Palestinian residents in the city.
As the dust settles from this year’s march, it once again highlights the deep-rooted divisions in Jerusalem—a city sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike—and the urgent need for responsible leadership to de-escalate tensions and promote coexistence.
Source : Swifteradio.com
