An annual parade in Jerusalem’s Old City turned violent, leaving several Palestinians injured. The event marked Israel’s takeover of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

Initially, the parade began as a celebration by far-right Israelis. However, tensions rose when a large group of ultranationalist Jews entered the area. They chanted hateful slogans like “death to Arabs.”

Soon after, young Israeli men harassed Arab shopkeepers in the Muslim Quarter. The trouble started shortly after thousands of Jewish participants marched through the Damascus Gate.

Jerusalem’s Status Remains Disputed

Israel claims all of Jerusalem, including the Palestinian-majority east, as its united and eternal capital. However, most countries around the world reject this claim. Instead, they support the idea of East Jerusalem becoming the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Controversial Minister Visits Al-Aqsa

Meanwhile, far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir joined the celebrations. He visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which Jews call the Temple Mount. “I ascended to the Temple Mount for Jerusalem Day, and prayed for victory in the war,” he said. He also prayed for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Ben Gvir’s visits to this sacred site have often triggered anger among Palestinians and their allies. This time was no different.

Opposition Slams the Event

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid harshly criticized the event. He described it as a festival of “hatred and racism.” He also said, “it is a disgrace and an insult to Judaism.”

The parade ended at the Western Wall, which is the last surviving part of the Second Temple. The Romans destroyed this temple in 70 AD. Today, the Western Wall is the holiest place where Jews can pray.

A young Jewish student, Yosef Azoulai, expressed pride during the event. “After so many years that the people of Israel were not here in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel, we arrived here and conquered Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall,” he said. “So we celebrate this day in which we won over all our enemies.”

Verbal Abuse and Harassment

However, some Israeli youths behaved aggressively during the parade. They clashed with Palestinian shopkeepers, pedestrians, and schoolchildren. In addition, they targeted Israeli rights activists and even police officers.

These youths insulted people, spat at them, and tried to enter homes by force. Some shouted disturbing slogans like “may your village burn” and “Gaza belongs to us.” At times, families walking peacefully to the Western Wall appeared uncomfortable with the scenes around them.