Israel step up measures for Trump’s visit

The Israeli occupation police have declared their security preparations and measures in the occupied al-Quds ('Jerusalem') have been ramped up for the upcoming visit of US president Donald Trump and the annual flag dance parade, which thousands of Jewish settlers participate in.

The Israeli higher court of justice allowed last year extremist Jewish groups and their followers participating in the flag dance parade to march through the streets and alleys of the Muslim Quarter of the Old City on their way to the Aqsa Mosque’s walls and gates.

The court decision came in response to a petition filed by the leftist activist group Ir Amim demanding a ruling barring the parade from marching through the Muslim Quarter because of violations committed by the Jewish participants against the Palestinians there.

In past years, the parade caused severe restrictions on Palestinian movement and was marked by displays of racist and violent behavior by the participants.

Extensive photographic documentation obtained by Ir Amim confirmed the marchers committed acts of violence and incitement, including banging on windows of residences, shouting “Death to Arabs,” “the Temple will be built, “burn the mosque” and “Muhammad is dead,”

Other acts included spitting, pushing Palestinian citizens and vandalizing of public and personal property.  Some residents have reported barricading themselves in their homes to protect themselves against the Jewish fanatics.