Violence and Provocation Mark Jerusalem Day Marches in Old City

On May 15, 2026, Jerusalem Day commemorations in East Jerusalem were marked by significant violence and tension as tens of thousands of national-religious Israelis marched through the Old City. The annual flag march, celebrating the 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, saw participants engaging in provocative acts against Palestinian residents, including spitting, pushing, and chanting racist slogans such as 'Death to the Arabs.' Human rights activists from the group 'Standing Together' deployed a protective presence to shield vulnerable Palestinian communities from harassment. Meanwhile, Israeli Minister of Internal Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount, posing with an Israeli flag near the Dome of Rock, asserting Jewish control over the site. His colleague, Yitzhak Kroizer, prayed at the Al-Aqsa compound, violating historical status quo norms, and later called for the demolition of mosques to build the Third Temple. In response to the anticipated unrest, many Palestinian businesses in the Muslim Quarter closed early or remained shut entirely under police advisement. The events highlight escalating religious and political tensions in the holy city, with social media videos documenting hate speech and calls for further settlement expansion.