More than 500 'Israeli' settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque early Monday, coinciding with the annual Jerusalem Flag March, an ultranationalist parade marking the anniversary of 'Israel’s' occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.

 

The mass incursion came under heavy police protection and ahead of the main march, set to proceed through the Old City's Muslim Quarter later in the day.

 

The Jerusalem Flag March is widely viewed by Palestinians as a display of dominance over occupied East Jerusalem. The day is described by many residents as a "nightmare," with Palestinians confined to their homes and their movement heavily restricted by Israeli forces.

 

'Israeli' authorities have deployed thousands of police officers across the city, particularly in and around the Old City, including Damascus Gate. Metal barricades were installed and access has been tightened as police brace for potential clashes and provocations.

 

Local sources reported that at least 517 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound this morning, carrying ritual items and performing provocative religious acts under the protection of 'Israeli' police. The intrusions follow calls from extremist Jewish groups and religious Zionist rabbis urging mass presence at Al-Aqsa and flag-raising at both the mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

 

Later today, tens of thousands of nationalist marchers — including 'Israeli' ministers, lawmakers, and far-right activists — are expected to parade through the Muslim Quarter toward the Western Wall. Male participants are set to march from King George Street and enter through Damascus Gate, while female participants will enter via Jaffa Gate, passing through the Armenian Quarter.

 

In recent years, the Jerusalem Flag March has drawn harsh criticism for inciting violence and racism. Jewish extremist youth have regularly harassed and physically assaulted Palestinians during the parade, especially near Damascus Gate. Last year’s march saw several attacks on Palestinians and journalists, with participants chanting anti-Arab slogans and plastering stickers supporting the late ultranationalist rabbi Meir Kahane, including calls to expel Palestinians from Gaza.

 

On Sunday night, settlers held provocative dances and chanted inflammatory slogans near Palestinian homes and gates of Al-Aqsa. Witnesses reported insults directed at the Prophet Muhammad, alongside calls for violence against Arabs — all occurring under the protection of Israeli security forces.

 

Palestinian shop owners in the Old City have shuttered their businesses for the day, anticipating violence. Observers say the coming hours may see the participation of far-right Israeli ministers and Knesset members in both the march and Al-Aqsa incursions, further raising the risk of escalation.

 

The situation has sparked renewed warnings from Palestinian leaders and factions, who view the events as deliberate provocations aimed at deepening control over the city and sacred sites. In past years, the march has been followed by broader regional unrest. In 2021, it triggered a major escalation in Gaza after rockets were launched during the march.

 

Some 'Israeli' commentators have speculated that similar actions could occur again, potentially from groups like the Houthis in Yemen, who have threatened to intervene in such high-profile incidents.