Hamas Warns Israel Over Jerusalem Day Parade; Security Measures Tightened

Hamas has warned Israel not to “cross any red lines” as the controversial Jerusalem Day Flag March is set to take place on Thursday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirming its occurrence. In response, Jerusalem Police has deployed over 2,000 officers, and over 1,000 other security personnel, to ensure adequate protection during the march and other events in the capital.

Tensions Rise as Jerusalem Day Flag March Approaches

The annual Jerusalem Day Flag March, which commemorates Israel’s unification of Jerusalem and the capture of the Old City in the 1967 Six Day War, has sparked tensions between Israel and Palestinians. Hamas representative in Lebanon, Ali Baraka, calls the march a “provocation to the Palestinian people and a violation of the sanctity of Al Aqsa”

Palestinian Response and Potential Fallout

Last year, the Jerusalem march was used as a justification by Hamas to initiate an 11-day conflict, which saw rocket attacks on Jerusalem during the parade.

In response to this year’s event, Palestinian media have published calls to raise Palestinian flags in Jerusalem as a counteraction to the parade.

As the march is due to take place, the city holds its breath, hoping for peace but preparing for potential conflict.