Thousands of Israeli nationalists chant ‘death to Arabs’ during annual procession through Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, Israeli youths chanted anti-Arab slogans and paraded through Muslim neighborhoods of the Old City, marking the anniversary of Israel’s takeover of the eastern part of the city. Police prepared for potential unrest, with some officers even joining the march. The scorching heat didn’t deter the demonstrators, who sang and danced along the route.

Before the march, a group of protesters, including an Israeli lawmaker, stormed a compound belonging to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The annual event, known as Jerusalem Day, commemorates Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem in the 1967 war, a controversial move that remains unresolved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The march, which has a history of turning violent, draws ultranationalist Israelis who view Jerusalem as their eternal capital. Palestinian shopkeepers cleaned up after the procession, which left stickers proclaiming “Gaza is ours” on their shops. Amid tensions, Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s claim to a united Jerusalem.

Groups promoting peace and cooperation tried to prevent clashes between the marchers and local residents. Israeli officials, including far-right Minister Italy Ben-Real, visited a holy site that is a flashpoint for Israeli-Muslim tensions. The compound, with its iconic mosques, saw Jewish visitors praying, challenging the delicate status quo of the area.

Jerusalem Day, once a celebration of Jewish heritage, has increasingly become a platform for nationalist and religious displays, stirring up emotions on both sides. The march’s influence has grown in recent years, overshadowing its original intent of marking a historic milestone for Israel.

Meanwhile, protesters breached a UN compound in Jerusalem, demanding its conversion into an Israeli settlement. The incident highlighted the ongoing disputes over land use and sovereignty in the region. Israel has accused the UN agency of ties to Hamas, a claim the agency denies.