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As Israeli nationalists gathered in East Jerusalem for a controversial demonstration, tensions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory increased on Tuesday.
The so-called flag-raising parade is to celebrate the anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the eastern part of the city in 1967.
“The right to demonstrate is the right of all democracies,” said Israeli Minister of Internal Security Omer Bar-Lev. “The police are ready, and we will do our best to maintain the subtle context of coexistence.”
After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem was not recognized by most of the international community, who believed that the final status of the city should be resolved through consultation between the two parties.
The Palestinians claim that the eastern part of the city is the capital of their future country.
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The iron dome defense system is ready in southern Israel
The Iron Dome missile defense system batteries can be seen in southern Israel as the military deployed them amid increasing tensions with the Palestinians in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.
The decision by the new Israeli government to approve Israeli nationalists’ controversial demonstrations in the Palestinian areas around the Old City of Jerusalem increases the possibility of a renewed confrontation only a few weeks after an 11-day war with Hamas.
“The Palestinians are very angry”
Hussein Nasser Ed Din, 35, from Shuafat in occupied East Jerusalem, said that if more people gather at Damascus Gate to confront the Israeli marchers, major problems may arise.
But he said there are many police officers present, so they will prevent people from arriving. The logistics officials of the local media suggested that most of the problems will occur in the old city.
“The Palestinians are very angry. People are afraid of losing their homes Forced eviction And demolished,” Edin told Al Jazeera.
Khalid Alian, 26, from Jabal al-Mukaber, also condemned Israeli settlers for forcing Palestinians to leave their homes.
“This is our land, and the settlers are taking away our land, taking away our future and dreams. Eight of my friends were killed by Israeli soldiers. If you have documents proving land ownership, if you are driven out to settle. How would you feel if someone gave way?” he asked.
Khalid Alian from Jabal al-Mukaber, East Jerusalem [Al Jazeera]
Israel sends thousands of police officers before March
The Israeli police stated that 2,000 troops will be deployed to provide protection for participants in a “flag parade” planning to cross occupied East Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, police forces will be deployed near the route that participants will take during the parade.
According to the broadcaster, the Israeli police have also decided to strengthen their presence in mixed cities in Israel in response to violent incidents.
Palestinians clashed with Israeli police during a visit to the Sheikh Jala neighbourhood of East Jerusalem by members of the Israeli right-wing parliament [File: Sebastian Scheiner/AP]
“All options are on the table,” Hamas warned
When the march was first announced last week, senior Hamas official Khalil Haya warned that it could trigger the return of violence that caused more than 256 deaths and 11 deaths in Gaza and Israel last month.
Hamas spokesman Mohamed Hamad said that mediators have been in contact with Palestinian armed groups in recent days, calling on them to “not carry out military escalations on the basis of demonstrations.”
“However, all options are on the table,” Hamad said.
Last month’s conflict began with Hamas’s deadline for Israel to withdraw its forces from the East Jerusalem flashpoint area, and then launched a series of rockets at Israel when the ultimatum was ignored.
Senior Hamas official Khalil Haya warned that the march of tough Israelis could trigger a violent return [File: Mohammed Salem/Reuters]
Israeli settlers began to gather for a nationalist march
Israeli settlers began arriving at noon under the escort of plainclothes police.
Heavily armed paramilitary border police and other troops patrolled the streets of the city, set up checkpoints, and blocked roads throughout East Jerusalem.
An iron fence was placed outside the entrance of Damascus Gate, where the Palestinians said they would gather to fight the Israelis.
A young Palestinian man stood on the street corner watching, and the Palestinian shopkeeper began to close the door. After midday prayers, anti-march protests against the march are expected.
Since the morning, hundreds of Palestinians have gathered in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound to prevent settlers from trying to enter. The bus load comes from within Israel.
Activists say that if Israeli settlers stay away from the compound, the conflict will be less intense. When the police stood nearby, groups of young boys chanted slogans and refused to leave.
Right-wing Israelis participating in the annual Jerusalem Day parade [File: Ariel Schalit/AP]
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