The march, which has seen violence over the last several years as marchers have used provocative language against Palestinians, including shouts like “Death to Arabs,” is anticipated to draw tens of thousands of Israeli nationalists.
Written by Chris Muhizi Minembwe Capital News 3:30pm Nairobi Kenya Time.
Early on Thursday, a queue had started to develop at the compound’s gate. Jews refer to this area as the “Temple Mount” because they think it is where the first and second ancient Jewish temples once stood.
Riot police were on duty in preparation for any potential violence, but the complex, which is the third holiest site in Islam, was still largely deserted in the morning.
In light of the yearly “flag day” march by Orthodox Jews and settlers and the delicate situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israeli authorities have increased security in Jerusalem, notably in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City.
As flag-waving marchers slowly started to assemble early on Thursday outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to take part in the procession, which commemorates the takeover of East Jerusalem in 1967 and its subsequent occupation, more than 2,000 police were deployed.
As they danced in a circle, some Orthodox Jews chanted, “Rebuild the temple!” One member of the riot police was observed dancing with some of the marchers while sporting a kippah, signifying that he is an Orthodox Jew.
One man sneaked into the gathering wearing a provocative shirt that had the picture of the Al-Aqsa Mosque being crushed by a fist next to a hand holding up a new Jewish temple, despite the fact that people entering the area have been advised to not bring their flags inside or do anything to provoke violence.
President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas, issued a warning to Israel “against insisting on organizing the provocative flag march,” through a spokesperson.
The parade’s continuation “confirms the acquiescence of the Israeli government to Jewish extremists,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, deputy prime minister and spokesperson for the PA, on Wednesday.
Hamas, which controls Gaza, urged Palestinians to reject the march one day prior of it.
Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas official in Gaza, stated, “We ask the people of Jerusalem to mobilize the masses to confront the march of the flags in Jerusalem tomorrow.”