National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir affirmed total Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem during a speech at the flag mark during Jerusalem Day on Wednesday.
"We are sending a message to Hamas," Ben-Gvir said. "Jerusalem is ours. Damascus Gate is ours. The Temple Mount is ours."
ביום השמח הזה ומצד שני המורכב הזה. אנחנו מעבירים מכאן מסר לחמאס. ירושלים שלנו. שער שכם שלנו. הר הבית שלנו. ובעזרת השם הניצחון המלא שלנו. אנחנו קוראים לראש הממשלה, תהיה חזק. אנחנו לא נכנעים. אנחנו לא מוותרים. אנחנו לא עוצרים. אנחנו מנצחים! יום ירושלים שמח. עם ישראל חי pic.twitter.com/ZHcTc2R599
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) June 5, 2024
"We call on the Prime Minister to be strong. We won't surrender, we won't give up, and we won't stop," he declared on a stage in front of thousands of participants in the march.
In response to these statements, the Prime Minister's Office responded, saying:
"The status quo at the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change."
Hamas also published a response to Ben-Gvir's statements from its head of the Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, saying: "The rampage of settlers in Jerusalem confirms that Jerusalem is the focus of the conflict, and our people will not rest until the occupation ends and an independent Palestinian state is established with Jerusalem as its capital."
Throughout the duration of the flag march, there were multiple incidents of violence and arrests.
"Throughout the day thus far, 18 suspects have been arrested on suspicion of violent offenses, assault, threats, and disorderly conduct," the Jerusalem Police announced in a statment. "Earlier, some of the blocked roads were reopened, and the police continue to operate to maintain security and order.
Earlier, Jerusalem District police officers located and arrested five suspects, aged 16, who participated in the parade and threw objects toward journalists near the area of Damascus Gate - Sha'ar Shechem. The arrested suspects were transferred for interrogation at a Jerusalem District station. We strongly condemn any attempt to harm journalists and any other individuals.
Earlier Wednesday morning and in the afternoon, the police arrested 13 suspects of various ages involved in various violent incidents in the Old City, including possession of a knife and threats against police officers. These suspects were transferred for interrogation by the police.
Police activity continues at this hour throughout the city by thousands of officers, and thus far, the various events have proceeded as planned, with isolated incidents being addressed promptly and appropriately."
Reporters were subject to violence
Police removed Yediot Aharonot police correspondent from Damascus Gate by force while he was covering the event.
תיעוד הזוי: המשטרה מרחיקה את העיתונאי @liran__tamari משער שכם לקול קריאות "שישרף לכם הכפר" ו"שועפט עולה באש". pic.twitter.com/xiP0CKYPkU
— ינון יתח | Inon Yttach ️ (@Inon_Yttach) June 5, 2024
In a post on X, he said, "Today, the journalists were the focus of the police and the marchers. During the flag march, the police decided that it was inappropriate for newspapers to cover from the steps of the Damascus Gate and began pushing us towards a nearby garden. During the fight, as you can see, the policeman started pinching me in the stomach. They thought they wouldn't see, but here is the picture in front of you."
העיתונאים היו היום על המוקד של המשטרה ושל הצועדים. במהלך מצעד הדגלים המשטרה החליטה שלא מתאים שעיתונים יסקרו ממדרגות שער שכם והתחילה להדוף אותנו לכיון גן סמוך. במהלך ההדיפה כפי שניתן לראות השוטר מתחיל לצבוט אותי בבטן. חשב שלא יראו אבל הנה התמונה לפניכם. pic.twitter.com/PNMg9w7Plu
— לירן תמרי | Liran Tamari (@liran__tamari) June 5, 2024
Earlier Wednesday, Kan News reported that Haaretz journalist Nir Hasson and several cameramen were attacked in Jerusalem's Old City while covering the flag march for Jerusalem Day.
According to the report, Hasson and the cameramen were attacked by a group of around 30 youths, who kicked them and knocked them to the ground.
Hasson was attacked while covering violent events in the area.