Rabat – Al Maghariba Gate leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound was shut tight today after 1,184 Israeli settlers stormed the holy site. The storming of the mosque came as Israelis mark the 57th anniversary of Jerusalem Day, also known as the “reunification” of East Jerusalem with West Jerusalem.
The 1967 Six-Day War, or Al Naksah (Arabic meaning “setback”), saw Israel occupy East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Jerusalem Day is celebrated annually on 28 Iyar (year) on the Hebrew calendar, and it is an official Israeli commemorated holiday boasting state ceremonies and memorial services.
According to the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem, Al Maghariba Gate was closed following the intrusion, as Israeli settlers attempted to perform Talmudic rituals, including dancing, within the sacred site.
Hamas condemned the Israeli government’s allowance of settlers to organize the “Flag March” in the occupied streets of Jerusalem, viewing it as a provocation and a violation of Palestinian rights and sanctities.
Israeli right-wing groups had previously called for widespread incursions at Al-Aqsa mosque on the anniversary of the occupation of East Jerusalem. These incursions, typically facilitated by Israeli police, often result in tension and clashes with Palestinian worshippers.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Sapir Sluzker Amran, an Israeli human rights lawyer and activist, said the Israeli right-wing has been holding the Flag March for years and “it’s always provocative”, but this year “there’s a direct intention to set fire.”
She added that Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and the rest of the right-wing ministers are doing everything possible to stop the ceasefire and hostage deal US President Joe Biden recently proposed.
“They’re using this parade and they’re using the route going through Damascus Gate, inside the Old City confronting and using violence against Palestinians to escalate the situation so that we have an excuse to continue the war,” Arman said.
“Even though it’s not part of the route of the parade, they’re going to insist on going to Al-Aqsa to pray there,” she added.
Israeli authorities are preparing for the Flag March through the Old City’s Damascus Gate, with over 3,000 police officers expected to provide security.
Participants in the march typically wave Israeli flags and chant racist slogans as they walk through predominantly Arab neighborhoods of the Old City.
