Ahead of Jerusalem flag march, military liaison to Palestinians says status quo preserved

Israel’s military liaison to the Palestinians Ghassan Alian, known as the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), issues a video statement ahead of Sunday’s contentious Jerusalem Day Flag March.

“We are in a period where attempted incitement is on the rise. I see the lies and stories and I am here to clarify: The Flag March has been taking place for more than 30 years, this is not new,” Alian says.

“The parade takes place on Jerusalem Day, this is not new. Also, the route of the Flag March is also not new,” he continues.

“And the status quote in Jerusalem remains the same, for Jews, Muslims and Christians, and we won’t allow it to be harmed, for anyone,” Alian says.

“And what else isn’t new? The interests of elements looking to ignite the area, and their disregard for the consequences of an escalation,” he says.

“In the past two months, we have been expanding our civilian-economic policy in the West Bank, and in an unprecedented way in the Gaza Strip. Undermining the security stability will harm these efforts, and the accomplishments so far,” Alian concludes.