UAE summons Israeli ambassador over Jerusalem flag march 'violations'

The UAE condemned "the deplorable and offensive violations against the Palestinian people that took place in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque."

 National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Old City, on Jerusalem Day, May 26, 2025 (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Old City, on Jerusalem Day, May 26, 2025
(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

The United Arab Emirates summoned Israel's ambassador to the country to express its condemnation of "provocative practices by Israeli extremists" during a rally in Jerusalem earlier this week, state news agency WAM reported on Wednesday.

On Monday, a large rally in Jerusalem marking the reunification of east and west of the city in the 1967 war descended into chaos as far-right Israeli Jews confronted and assaulted Palestinians, fellow Israelis, and journalists, witnesses said.

The annual "Flag March" drew tens of thousands of people, who chanted, danced, and waved Israeli flags after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

 Jewish men clash with police during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025.  (credit: JAMAL AWAD/FLASH90)
Jewish men clash with police during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025. (credit: JAMAL AWAD/FLASH90)

Flag march violence causes UAE condemnation 

WAM said the UAE condemned "the deplorable and offensive violations against the Palestinian people that took place in the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque."

It said the Gulf state had urged the Israeli government "to assume full responsibility, condemn these hostile acts, hold perpetrators accountable without exception to ministers and officials."

The office of  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The UAE is one of the few Arab countries that have normalized relations with Israel, under the Abraham Accords.