In Israel, today marks “Jerusalem Day”, 57 years after the conquest of the eastern part of the city during the Six-Day War. Israelis are celebrating what they call the reunification of the city. A party which often gives rise to numerous excesses.
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With our correspondent in Jerusalem, Michael Paul
More than 3,000 police officers are mobilized for this “Jerusalem Day” under close surveillance. And a lower profile than in previous years due to the war in Gaza. But alongside the commemorative ceremonies, this year there will once again be the most controversial event of this celebration: the march of the flags, which gives rise to numerous excesses on the part of right-wing extremists.
This year again, the Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvirthe leader of the supremacist Jewish Force party demanded that the parade follow the controversial route of previous years and pass through the Muslim quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem to reach the Western Wall.
Rocket fire
Just two years ago, Hamas fired rockets into Jerusalem during the flag march. And clashes left more than 300 injured on the Palestinian side.
This year, two days before this day full of tension, several hundred people organized a multi-faith march on the outskirts of the old city to demand an end to the fighting in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
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