Police arrest five after journalists attacked during provocative march
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Ultranationalist Israelis clashed with Palestinians as they marched through Jerusalem’s most sensitive area on Wednesday, with thousands of police deployed on the streets for the contentious Flag Day march.
Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered for the annual march, which has been promoted by Israel’s far right and has previously been a flash point between marchers and the city’s Palestinian residents.
One demonstrator chanted “No more Al Aqsa, no more children in Gaza” as the crowds moved through the Muslim Quarter, after hundreds of Israelis had visited the Al Aqsa compound and waved Israeli flags earlier in the day.
Violence broke out as marchers wearing white shirts attacked journalists, with bottles thrown from the crowd at the press.
In response, Israeli police said they had detained five people who threw objects at the press near the Damascus Gate.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to harm journalists and media personnel carrying out their duties, as well as any other individuals,” the police said in a statement.
“These lawless aggressors disrupt all participants in the parade, both through their violent behaviour and through the vile and unacceptable shouts heard from their mouths,” the police said in a strongly worded condemnation.
Earlier in the day, Israeli police were seen attacking Palestinian shopkeepers in Jerusalem’s Muslim Quarter, while a Palestinian journalist in a flak jacket was attacked by a marcher and required medical attention.
Other journalists, including media’s correspondents, were also met with a heavy-handed response from police officers.
The march – part of Jerusalem Day celebrations, an Israeli public holiday to mark the moment Israel gained full control of Jerusalem in 1967 – led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas in 2021.
On Wednesday, it began in the afternoon, following a route through Damascus Gate towards the Western Wall.
Despite fears that tension over the Gaza war could make the day more volatile, Israeli authorities said on Tuesday that the march would proceed.
Police said more than 3,000 personnel were deployed in the city on Wednesday.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir promised to join the march and that “Jews will go up to [Al Aqsa Mosque]”.
“We need to hit them where it’s most important to them,” he said.
An incursion on the site, the third holiest in Islam, is considered a provocation by Palestinians, more so if it involves a government minister.
Hundreds of Israelis were seen in Al Aqsa on Wednesday morning, with some performing Jewish prayers.
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