Violence Erupts Amid Jerusalem Day Celebrations
On Monday, thousands of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem to mark Jerusalem Day, a day of national pride commemorating the capture of East Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967. The atmosphere was initially festive, with participants waving flags, singing, and dancing through the streets, embodying a spirit of celebration for the city’s unification.
However, the jubilation quickly turned sour as tensions escalated. Shortly after midday, groups of marchers began to confront Palestinian shopkeepers, subjecting them to harassment. Eyewitness reports indicated that demonstrators shouted nationalistic slogans and incited violence against Palestinians, dramatically shifting the tone of the day’s events.
This year’s Flag March coincided with a backdrop of heightened conflict, as Israeli military operations against Palestinian militants in the West Bank have been intensifying. The ongoing war in Gaza has exacerbated tensions, casting a shadow over what is meant to be a day of celebration.
In a speech delivered during the celebrations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to returning all hostages taken during recent hostilities, further emphasizing the complexities and divisions that mark this year’s Jerusalem Day. As the rally continued, the dual narrative of celebration and violence underscored the ongoing conflict that remains deeply entrenched in the region.
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Video “Violence breaks out as thousands of Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day” was uploaded on 05/27/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News