Since 1968, Israelis have marked the reunification of Jerusalem with the traditional flag march. During the march, Israelis sing and dance through the streets of Jerusalem waving Israeli flags, and the march culminates with a festive gathering in the Western Wall plaza. 

As a rule, the march is held on the Hebrew anniversary of the reunification – the 28th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar – which this year corresponded with May 10. It also happened to coincide with the 28th day of Ramadan.

After it already started, the march was canceled at the last minute, following a wave of Fatah-initiated violence that was sweeping Jerusalem, and which culminated in Hamas firing missiles from Gaza aimed at Jerusalem, and later at South and Central Israel.

After the march was then rescheduled for June 7, the Gregorian anniversary of the reunification, it was again postponed until today.

Significantly, while the march does not go on to the Temple Mount or approach the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is located on the southwestern corner of the Mount, Fatah Jenin Branch Secretary Ata Abu Armila called on Palestinians to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Arabs in Jerusalem.

Fatah Ramallah and El-Bireh Branch Secretary Muwaffaq Sahwil added that it is the “instructions of the Palestinian leadership” that Palestinians should engage in “the continuation of the popular national activity.” He also encouraged Palestinians to seek death as “Martyrs” “for the sake of Jerusalem”.