Israeli Peace Activists Gather in Jerusalem Ahead of Annual Flag March

Israeli peace activists gathered in Jerusalem on Thursday to support Palestinian residents ahead of the annual Jerusalem Day flag march, an event often marked by nationalist tensions and heavy security. Near Damascus Gate, members of a Jewish-Palestinian movement handed out flowers, greeted residents in Arabic and positioned themselves near Palestinian shops and neighborhoods as thousands of nationalist marchers carrying Israeli flags prepared to enter the Old City.

Around 300 activists from the movement and allied groups spread across sensitive areas, including the Muslim Quarter, in an effort to prevent violence, vandalism and provocative chants that have led to clashes during previous marches. A co-director of the movement said the aim was to protect Palestinian residents and businesses.

" — Movement co-director (Euronews) Israeli police deployed large security forces along the route, including barriers, mounted officers and reinforced patrols. Many Palestinian-owned shops closed early over fears of unrest, while several roads leading to the Old City, including areas around Jaffa Road and the city gates, were sealed from mid-afternoon.

Day commemorates Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem and the Old City during the Six-Day War. The move is not recognised internationally as changing the legal status of the city. By early afternoon, groups of young nationalist activists had already begun gathering near Damascus Gate, singing, dancing and waving Israeli flags under close police supervision.

No major incidents had been reported by that stage, although tensions remained high amid the wider confrontation between Israel and Iran.