Jerusalem: Right-wing pro-settler Israeli groups have scrapped a controversial march that was to take place this week in Jerusalem after police refused to authorise it, arguing that neither the format nor the timing of the event was suitable given the current levels of tension in Israel.
The so-called March of the Flags was due to take place on Thursday and proceed through flashpoint spots in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem.
“Police refused to give us authorisation,” a spokesperson for one of the groups organising the march said, prompting a cancellation of the event.
News of its cancellation came as Khalil Hayya, a senior figure of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, warned the march could lead to new violence. It was not clear if the cancellation was linked to his remarks.
Israeli police said in a statement that “the current route at this time is not approved”.
However, police said they would review a petition to reschedule the event or to conduct it in a different manner.
