Jerusalem Day March Sparks Tensions as Israeli Ultranationalists Chant Anti-Arab Slogans

Thousands of Israeli ultranationalists marched through occupied East Jerusalem during the annual Jerusalem Day parade on Thursday, chanting anti-Arab slogans and raising fears of violence against Palestinian residents.

Participants in the march were heard shouting phrases such as “Death to Arabs” and “May your villages burn” as they moved through the Old City, according to witnesses and media reports. Many Palestinian residents shut their businesses and remained indoors throughout the event over security concerns.

Jerusalem Day is marked annually by Israeli nationalists to celebrate Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. Israel later annexed the territory, a move not recognised by the international community.

The march, which passes through predominantly Palestinian neighbourhoods, has long been criticised for provoking tensions. Rights groups and activists say the event often leads to harassment, racist abuse and assaults targeting Palestinians.

By midday, most shops in the Old City had closed, with metal shutters pulled down across Palestinian commercial areas. Some marchers reportedly banged on the shutters and chanted as they passed through narrow alleyways.

Activists from the Israeli-Palestinian movement Standing Together deployed volunteers in parts of the Old City in an effort to reduce confrontations and protect residents and businesses from attacks and vandalism.

Rula Daoud, co-director of the group, accused Israeli police of failing to adequately stop harassment and intimidation during the march. She said the event has become increasingly aggressive in recent years.

Journalists covering the procession also reportedly faced hostility from some march participants, with several incidents of reporters being pushed or obstructed while filming.

Earlier in the day, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site sacred to Muslims and Jews, in a move that drew criticism and added to tensions surrounding the event.

Scuffles were also reported in parts of the Christian Quarter of the Old City before the main march began, with some groups of young nationalists allegedly confronting Palestinian residents.

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