Defence on “Jerusalem Day”

The binational (Palestinian-Jewish) left-wing social movement Standing Together is preparing to confront racist mobs on “Jerusalem Day” (14 May this year), an annual far-right provocation against Palestinians. The movement writes: “Next week, tens of thousands of extremist Israeli settlers will flood the Old City of Jerusalem for a nationalistic march held every year on Jerusalem Day, and as usual, they’ll target Palestinian residents, attacking, beating, and spitting on them during a rampage through the city. But this year we’ve organised hundreds of Solidarity Guard activists to help protect Palestinians from getting assaulted, having their merchandise and property destroyed, or being hit with racist slurs.”

Israel’s government is currently withholding around $200 million in tax revenues collected on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, the semi-state body which has limited autonomy over some areas of the occupied West Bank. The collection and transfer of the revenue is under the control of Israel’s finance ministry, headed by far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich. Smotrich has routinely withheld the funds, alleging the PA “supports terrorism”.

In Gaza, Israeli bombing has continued, despite the nominal ceasefire. A Hamas negotiator was recently killed in an air strike. Reports suggest negotiations, which are focused on the issue of Hamas disarmament, have stalled, with some commentators predicting a resumption of all-out war by Israel. Around 60% of Gaza is already under the control of the Israeli military.

Israel has also struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, with Hezbollah firing at Israeli troops. A nominal ceasefire is in place there too, with US-brokered talks between the Israeli and Lebanese governments aiming at a permanent agreement.

On 30 April, thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv for a third annual Peace Summit, organised by a coalition of dozens of Israeli, Palestinians, and binational peace organisations. Speakers included Palestinian politicians Ahmad Tibi and Ayman Odeh, as well as leaders from Standing Together. The ongoing structural inequalities were highlighted by the fact that many Palestinians from the occupied West Bank who were due to participate were prevented from travelling to the summit.