Racist chants and widespread attacks.. Settlers storm Jerusalem with 'Flag March' under the protection of extremist ministers

Thousands of Israeli settlers gathered in the Damascus Gate area in the heart of occupied Jerusalem to participate in the annual 'Flag March,' which coincides with the anniversary of the occupation of the eastern part of the city in 1967. The scene was characterized by extreme tension due to the raising of inciting and racist slogans against Arabs and Muslims, amidst tight security protection from the occupation forces.

Participants roamed the streets and alleys of the Old City, chanting hostile slogans such as 'Death to Arabs' and 'May your villages burn,' in a provocative move aimed at asserting Israeli control over the holy city. Field sources observed groups of extremist right-wing youths dancing and verbally and physically assaulting Palestinian residents on their way to the Western Wall.

The scene was led by ministers and Knesset members from the extremist right-wing government coalition, most notably National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These officials participated in the march alongside leaders of the occupation police and army, reflecting the official cover for these provocative actions.

Sources reported that Minister Ben-Gvir did not only participate in the march but also stormed the Damascus Gate area, raising the Israeli flag, hours after participating in the storming of the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. The number of settlers who stormed Al-Aqsa was estimated at about 1,400, divided into morning and evening periods under tight guard.

During his presence in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ben-Gvir made controversial statements claiming that 'sovereignty is in their hands,' in a clear reference to attempts to impose full Israeli sovereignty over Islamic holy sites. Settlers also chanted slogans describing Al-Aqsa Mosque as 'Temple Mount,' in an attempt to impose a Talmudic narrative on the place.

In contrast, the occupation authorities imposed suffocating military restrictions on Palestinians in the Old City, where they were prevented from organizing any counter-movements or raising the Palestinian flag. Sources indicated that the Palestinian presence in the Damascus Gate area was completely prohibited during the march, with the threat of immediate arrest for anyone who violated orders.

Journalists' cameras documented direct attacks by settlers on the homes of Palestinian citizens. One resident in the Old City recounted how about 20 settlers stormed his house and smashed its windows and doors. The citizen confirmed that these attacks occur under the eyes of the police, who do nothing to protect the indigenous residents but instead arrest those who try to defend themselves.

Journalist crews were not spared from these violations, as participants in the march attacked a number of journalists and photographers while they were doing their work, pushing them and preventing them from documenting the racist chants. These practices aim to conceal the truth of what is happening in the streets of Jerusalem, including brutal attacks and public incitement to murder and displacement.

On the ground, the march started from West Jerusalem and reached Damascus Gate, passing through the Muslim Quarter, a route that settlers insist on taking annually to provoke Palestinian sentiments. Occupation forces forcibly closed Palestinian shops, while settlers deliberately banged loudly on their metal gates to terrorize their owners.

The occupation forces turned the city of Jerusalem into a real military barracks, deploying snipers above the Damascus Gate wall and at high points overlooking the march route. Special units were also deployed in all alleys and streets surrounding the Old City under the pretext of securing the participants, which led to a complete paralysis of the lives of Jerusalemites.

These developments come amidst Palestinian and Arab warnings about the danger of these marches, which increase tension in the region and push towards further confrontations. National activities in Jerusalem affirm that these practices will not change the Arab and Islamic identity of the city, despite all systematic attempts at Judaization and intimidation.

Sovereignty is in our hands, and Jerusalem is ours alone.