Flag and anthem at Al-Aqsa: Israel's new provocation shakes Jerusalem

Tensions have escalated once again in occupied East Jerusalem after footage emerged showing Israeli settlers entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection while waving Israeli flags and singing the national anthem.

Flag and anthem at the holy site

Social media videos showed groups of extremist settlers entering the Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City and opening Israeli flags inside the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The group was recorded singing the Israeli national anthem under the watch of Israeli police, who did not intervene. Observers noted that police had previously prevented any foreign flags from being displayed at the site. Palestinians and social media users condemned the incident as a clear violation of the historic status quo governing the holy site. Experts warned that such political demonstrations at the sacred compound risk further inflaming religious and political tensions in the region.

Attack on Ramallah school

The provocation followed a similar move by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who stormed the Al-Aqsa compound on May 14, raised an Israeli flag, and claimed the site belongs to Jews. His statements drew condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, Jordan, and numerous international parties. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked a partially built private school in the village of Rammun, east of Ramallah. Site supervisor Ali Munasira said the attackers broke 40 wooden doors and three metal doors, stole security cameras and electrical generators, causing approximately $80,000 in damage. It was the third such attack in recent days, raising concerns over escalating pressure and ethnic cleansing efforts in the occupied territories. Türkiye has strongly condemned both the violations at Al-Aqsa and the attacks on Palestinian civilian infrastructure, calling on the international community to take immediate action.