**Violence and Hate Chants Erupt During Jerusalem Day Parade**
A disturbing scene unfolded in the Old City of East Jerusalem on Monday as crowds of far-right Israelis chanted insults and assaulted Palestinians during an annual parade commemorating Israel’s capture of the area in 1967. The event, known as Jerusalem Day, is a contentious celebration that marks Israel’s control over the city.
The parade was marked by chants of “death to Arabs” and nationalistic slogans, with ultranationalist Jews streaming into Palestinian areas of the Old City. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid condemned the event, calling it a “festival of hatred and racism.” He also accused government ministers who remained silent in the face of the violence of being complicit in this “disgrace.”
Israeli police were deployed to quell the violence as thousands of nationalist Israelis descended on the Damascus Gate, one of the main entrances to the Old City. Arab traders who had yet to close their shops were harassed by young Israeli men, witnesses said.
The chants and banners displayed during the parade were particularly disturbing, with some calling for the destruction of Palestinian villages and others demanding that Gaza be annexed by Israel. The national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, even called for the death penalty for “terrorists” in an address to the crowds.
Ben Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, which is administered by a Jordanian Islamic trust, was also condemned by Palestinian officials. They warned that Israel’s actions were threatening the stability of the entire region.
**Analysis**
The Jerusalem Day parade and the subsequent violence are just the latest manifestations of a broader conflict between Israelis and Palestinians over control of the city. The event has become increasingly contentious in recent years, with both sides using it to assert their claims to the city.
For many Israelis, Jerusalem is seen as an integral part of their country’s identity and history. They view Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 as a victory that secured the city’s status as their eternal capital.
However, for Palestinians, Jerusalem is also an important cultural and spiritual center, with many regarding it as the future capital of their own state. The international community has long recognized East Jerusalem as Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory.
**Commentary**
The violence and hate chants displayed during the parade are a stark reminder of the deep divisions that exist between Israelis and Palestinians over control of Jerusalem. It is imperative for both sides to find a way to resolve this conflict peacefully, rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric and physical aggression.
For now, it seems that tensions will continue to simmer beneath the surface, with the status of Jerusalem remaining one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
