Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day in festive procession; rightist activists clash with Palestinians

More than 30,000 people on Sunday took part in the traditional "Flag Dance" parade in the capital, in honor of Jerusalem Day. Several violent clashes between the marchers and leftist activists and residents of the Muslim quarter were recorded.

In Damascus Gate, several hundreds of marchers gathered as police separated them from the Palestinian residents. Leftist activists held a counter protest at the site. Many of the marchers chanted "Am Yisrael Chai" but others used the parade to voice hate messages. Several were heard making slanderous calls against Prophet Muhammad.

More clashes were noted in Haneviim Street where an unauthorized protest against Jerusalem´s reunification was held.

Police were forced to disperse the protesters who refused to leave by force and arrested two activists. Meanwhile, right-wing activists clashed with the protesters until officers broke up the scuffle. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said, "Celebrations of the illegal annexation of east Jerusalem hurt peace prospects. This is cutting proof that peace is not on the agenda of the Israeli government who lets thousands of fanatics march through the occupied city and threaten Palestinian residents while blocking their option of getting to hospitals, schools, shopping centers, churches and mosques." (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 05/20/12)