Israeli violence against Palestinians in East Jerusalem: Flag March, May 2023

Описание: Palestinians were subjected to severe violence by Israeli security forces during three large public events that took place in April and May of 2023: Ramadan prayers held by Muslims at al-Aqsa Mosque, the Christian ceremony of the Sabbath of Light and the Jewish supremacy display known as the Flag March that is held on the anniversary of of the occupation of East Jerusalem. During all three events, Israeli police officers either attacked Palestinians or allowed others to attack them undisturbed.

Flag March, 18 May 2023

The annual Flag March took place in Jerusalem on 18 May 2023. Scores of police officers escorted the march, and officers forced Palestinian residents out of the Old City through Damascus Gate as thousands of marchers descended upon the area, shouting racist slogans at Palestinians.

Some of the marchers attacked several journalists who were standing in an area the police had designated for the press, using stones, plastic bottles and sticks. One journalist was injured in the head by a stone and taken to a nearby clinic. A foreign journalist who tried to cover the events was chased away by a group of youths who taunted him and covered his camera with flags, while a police officer standing nearby did nothing. In another incident, police officers pushed a foreign journalist.

Most Palestinian businesses were closed that day, but when a group of marchers, with a police escort, passed by a clothing store and two stalls that remained open, one of the marchers sprayed pepper spray in their direction, while others threw merchandise belonging to one of the stores on the ground. All of this took place in front of police officers who did nothing to prevent this and simply allowed the marchers to continue on their way.

Read more:
https://www.btselem.org/jerusalem/202...