Flag Parade for Jerusalem Day to Pass Through Muslim Quarter Amid War Concerns

The annual Jerusalem Day flag parade, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, will follow its traditional route from central Jerusalem to the Western Wall, passing through the historic avenues of the Old City, including the Muslim Quarter. This year, the parade takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, heightening tensions in the area.

"Many officers will be deployed before and during the flag parade. The police will work to secure the crowd and regulate pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area, especially near the Old City," Israel Police stated. Their objective is to maintain routine life and ensure the safety of parade participants, pedestrians, and worshippers of all religions. Measures will be in place to prevent any friction or violence, and crowd control at the Western Wall Plaza will adhere to the maximum allowed capacity.

The police urge participants to follow instructions, avoid physical or verbal violence, and ensure the event proceeds safely. Any disruptions or acts of violence will be addressed firmly.

Last year's Jerusalem Day flag parade saw approximately 50,000 Israelis participating, with police intervening to break up scuffles between Jews, Arabs, and police, particularly in the Muslim Quarter. This year, the presence of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict adds to the potential for heightened tensions.

Over 3,000 officers from the Jerusalem District, Border Police, additional reinforcements, and volunteers will be deployed citywide to ensure security. Alongside the flag parade, other events include the Memorial Ceremony for Ethiopian Jewish Immigrants and the State Ceremony at Ammunition Hill, as well as the Shmuel HaNavi Pilgrimage to the tomb of Samuel the Prophet, which passes through several Arab neighborhoods.

"The Israel Police's preparation will focus on the routes leading to the Navi Samuel compound, with increased police activity in the area for security, public order maintenance, and traffic direction to ease the arrival of the public and prevent traffic congestion at the site entrance," the police stated.

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