Israeli ‘flag march’ a go, despite being seen as dangerous provocation

AMMAN — Israeli ultra-nationalists will be going through the scheduled annual “flag march” through occupied Jerusalem’s Old City today, Sunday, in a dangerous provocation. اضافة اعلان

Islamist group Hamas warned retaliation and renewed violence if the parade intruded on Al-Aqsa and Muslim neighborhoods. Palestinian groups, including Islamic Jihad, have also called for a general mobilization at Al-Aqsa Mosque complex since Friday, in response to attacks by the Israeli government and Jewish settlers.

Palestine TV also released a video calling on people to crowd in Jerusalem Sunday in conjunction with the flag march.

Israel underestimates the Palestinian people and the Arab nation, and its assessments are always wrong, the Palestinian people will be able to protect their holy sites

The Palestinian presidency has also called on the US administration to press Israel into canceling the march, according to the Palestinian news agency, Wafa. 

“The Palestinian leadership has repeatedly warned the Israeli government against playing with fire through this march, which is rejected and condemned,” said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for President Mahmoud Abbas.

“Israel underestimates the Palestinian people and the Arab nation, and its assessments are always wrong, the Palestinian people will be able to protect their holy sites,” he said.

Despite warnings, and violent precedent — the “flag” march being the tipping point for last year’s 11-day Israeli war in Gaza after rockets were fired at Jerusalem — Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett affirmed Friday, that the march in continue on the predetermined route, without passing through Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The march has been held for 34 years towards the Western Wall, without going through Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, according to the Israeli government.

Palestinian Minister of Justice Mohammed Al-Shalaldeh told Al-Mamlaka TV that holding a flag march through the old city is a flagrant violation of the principles and norms of international law and international conventions.

The minister contended that the march aims to Judaize the holy city through the material, legal, administrative and cultural means.

“The march reaffirms the Knesset’s decision to annex the city of Jerusalem as Israeli’s capital, and this decision is known for being illegitimate. And that is the stance taken by all international resolutions and the UN.” He said.


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