JERUSALEM, May 14, 2026 (WAFA) – Thousands of Israeli colonists took part on Thursday evening in the provocative “Flag March” that stormed the Damascus Gate area, one of the main entrances to the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, under heavy protection from Israeli police.

The march was attended by several ministers and Knesset members from the Israeli government coalition, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in addition to Israeli police and army officials and other extremist lawmakers.

Participants raised Israeli flags and banners carrying racist slogans calling for the death of Arabs and threatening the construction of the so-called “Temple” in place of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to witnesses, colonists assaulted several Palestinians and journalists present in the area by spitting at them, verbally abusing them, and performing dances with Israeli flags.

Israeli forces deployed snipers on the walls overlooking Damascus Gate and heavily spread throughout the area, the streets of Jerusalem, and the alleys of the Old City, turning the area into what residents described as a military zone under the pretext of securing the march.

Israeli police also restricted Palestinian movement inside the Old City and forced shop owners to close their businesses while providing protection for the march participants.

M.N