RAMALLAH, June 5, 2011 (WAFA) – Israeli forces increased their presence since early morning Sunday on the borders of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and on the borders of Lebanon and Syria to face the peaceful marches commemorating the 44th anniversary of Naksa, the June 5, 1967 war in which Israel occupied the West Bank including East Jerusalem, as well as Sinai and the Golan Heights.

Israel deployed thousands of police troops and border guards on the borders of Syria and Lebanon, although events for the Naksa were canceled.

The Israeli army last Thursday declared Majdal Shams, a town in the Golan Heights, a closed military zone and forbade entrance to any non-resident. They also laid mines and set up a fence in the nearby Tal al-Sorakh area.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened that if any incident should happen on the borders, Israeli forces will oppose it and enter Syrian and Lebanese lands.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces increased their presence at crossings, checkpoints and entrances of settlements. On the borders with Gaza, a senior Israeli officer announced the situation is very tense, that soldiers will not allow anyone to reach the border and will fire at anyone who attempts to go near that area.

Israeli intensified its presence in Jerusalem and deployed hundreds of police units and border guards throughout and at the main entrances of the city, where slow and thorough inspections caused traffic jams.

Military patrols and infantry spread along the Wall around Jerusalem, and Israeli checkpoints and roadblocks were set up in the main streets of the city.

Israeli military presence was also tightened at Damascus Gate, where demonstrations and rallies usually begin. Police and cavalry increased their units in the streets of Sultan Suleiman and Salah al-Din.

A number of local organizations in Jerusalem announced they will be holding a special events day to commemorate the Naksa. The events will be attended by Palestinian families of Jerusalem and other key figures.

M.N./F.J.