PLO warns of 'explosion' if Jerusalem flag march goes ahead

Hamas reportedly threatens to resume rocket fire on Israeli communities if it objects to actions in capital; new route set to avoid flashpoint areas such as Damascus Gate, Muslim Quarter of Old City

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The Jerusalem Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization warned Sunday of an "explosion" if a controversial far-right march known as the "Flag Parade" takes place next Tuesday in the Old City of Jerusalem.  
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The PLO said that ensuing unrest could extend beyond Jerusalem to the Palestinian territories if the march takes place, saying that the "occupation authorities" have not learned from the political changes in the region and internationally.
2 View gallery 
Young religious Israelis attending the 'Flag parade' in Jerusalem on May 10, which was cut short due to a barrage of rockets from Gaza 
(Photo: EPA)
Hamas also reportedly warned that it would respond fiercely to Israel's "regular activities" in Jerusalem, saying it had not ruled out the option of resuming rocket fire at cities across the country due to actions it found objectionable.  
Ministers voted last week to allow the march following a compromise between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz, with a route to be decided between the organizers and police.
The new route will mostly avoid the area of the Damascus Gate entrance to the Old City and the Muslim Quarter, which could be flashpoints for potential violence.
2 View gallery 
Young religious Israelis attending the 'Flag parade' in Jerusalem on May 10, which was cut short due to a barrage of rockets from Gaza 
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
The annual parade to celebrate the reunification of the capital after the 1967 Six-Day War usually takes place on Jerusalem Day, which this year fell on May 10. The march was interrupted when Hamas fired rockets at Jerusalem from Gaza, marking the start of a bitter 11-day conflict.
Ahead of the cabinet vote, ministers were warned by defense officials warned that the parade's traditional route through the Damascus Gate and the Muslim Quarter could lead to a flare-up in tensions not only within the city but possibly also in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and other locations across Israel. 
The annual march was also called off in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.