Clashes Erupt in Jerusalem’s Old City; ‘Death to Arabs’ Chants Raise Tensions Ahead of Jerusalem Day

Tensions escalated in Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday evening as clashes broke out between Israeli nationalists and Palestinians in the Muslim Quarter, with disturbing chants of “death to Arabs” heard from participants in the annual Jerusalem Day march. The confrontations occurred hours before the main Flag March was set to proceed through the city’s most sensitive areas.

Footage shared on social media and verified by human rights monitors showed dozens of far-right activists chanting inflammatory slogans and attempting to provoke confrontations as they passed through densely populated Palestinian neighborhoods. Israeli police were seen forming cordons, but reports indicate several physical altercations occurred and at least eight individuals were detained.

Jerusalem Day, which commemorates Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War, often sees surging nationalist sentiment, especially during the controversial march through the Old City. Critics argue that the route inflames already high tensions between Jewish and Palestinian communities, particularly in the context of recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza.

Eyewitnesses reported that Palestinian shopkeepers in the Muslim Quarter were ordered to close early, while families were instructed to remain indoors as police cleared paths for the marchers. Human rights groups have condemned the chants and called on Israeli authorities to take stronger action against hate speech and incitement.

Several foreign governments and international observers have expressed concern over the provocative language and its potential to spark broader unrest. The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process described the scenes as “deeply troubling” and urged restraint on all sides.