Jerusalem, 31 May 2022 (TDI): During the Flag March on the West Bank including occupied East Jerusalem violence erupted when the participants on Monday engaged in racist chants and physical abuse against the Palestinians.
The Israeli nationalists stormed the Muslim Quarter waving Israeli flags set off from Damascus Gate. At the main entrance to the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, the crowd was dancing and chanting “the nation of Israel lives” and “death to Arabs.”
1/2 Alarmed by the violence unfolding today in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem in and around the “flag march”. Appalling to see participants engaging in racist chants and physical abuse against Palestinians.
— EU and Palestinians (@EUpalestinians) May 29, 2022
Also, some Israeli Jewish families were present among the crowd, carrying placards and engaged in racist chants against Palestine. There was a heavy presence of Israeli police, some with dogs looking over the proceedings.
Israeli police in riot gear blocked surrounding streets, forcibly removing Palestinian protesters from the route.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, seventy-nine Palestinians were injured in Jerusalem by rubber bullets, sound grenades, and pepper spray.
It is also believed that one of the protesters was shot with live fire. Meanwhile, twenty-eight people were evacuated to the hospital following the onslaught.
Also, at least 163 Palestinians were injured in the West Bank. At least 11 of those injuries were caused by live bullets.
History of Flag March
The Flag March is an annual parade where mostly nationalist Jewish groups celebrate Israel gaining control of the Western Wall during the 1967 Six-Day War and capturing East Jerusalem, placing the entire city under Israeli control.
During the parade, marchers enter the Old City via Damascus Gate and continue through the Muslim Quarter to the Western Wall, waving flags and singing patriotic songs.
