JERUSALEM: Silent and shuttered streets of occupied Arab Jerusalem echoed and re-echoed with the plod of jackboots and mechanised columns and drone of overflying warplanes today [May 2] as the Arabs boycotted the Israeli 20th anniversary parade held in open defiance of the United Nations Security Council.

Unprecedented security measures had been taken by the Israelis. Sentries were posted on balconies and rooftops, helicopters hovered at key spots, and security men kept watch. But as the parade moved back into the Jewish area of Jerusalem there were no reports of any incidents or disturbances.

Only a few Arabs could be seen watching from rooftops and balconies as the tanks and jeeps rushed through the streets.

Arab shops were all closed and most Arabs kept to their homes in response to a call by their civic leaders to protest in this manner against the Israeli parade, which was held despite a personal appeal from the United Nations Secretary-General U Thant and a Security Council resolution.

Reports from cities and towns on the occupied west bank of the Jordan, also occupied since the June war, said all Arab children stayed away from schools and shops were closed.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2018