Hundreds of Eritrean government supporters and opponents clashed with each other and with Israeli police Saturday, leaving dozens injured in one of the most violent street confrontations among African asylum seekers and migrants in Tel Aviv in recent memory.
Report says Israeli police fired stun grenades to break up the clashes, while some protesters hurled stones at police and set fire to trash bins.
While footage on social media showed Eritrean government supporters beating anti-government protesters with clubs.
Meanwhile, Israeli medical officials said more than 114 people had been treated for injuries, including about 30 police officers.
The violence broke out around an event organised by the Eritrean embassy to mark Revolution Day on September 1, which commemorates the start of the Eritrean War of Independence against Ethiopia in 1961.
Isaias has ruled since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. Human rights groups have condemned his government as being highly repressive and the country is under US and EU sanctions for alleged abuses.
“Why did we run from our country? Why the Israeli police gave them a permit to celebrate…for this dictator? We are against this. Why am I here seeking shelter?” one protester in Tel Aviv, Hagos Gavriot, said.
Report says Eritreans from both sides faced off with construction lumber, pieces of metal, rocks, and at least one axe, tearing through a neighborhood of south Tel Aviv where many asylum seekers live.
Protesters smashed shop windows and police cars, and blood spatter was seen on sidewalks. One government supporter was lying in a puddle of blood in a children’s playground.
“At this time, large police and Border Police forces continue to operate against lawbreakers in the Tel Aviv area,” an Israeli police statement said.
About 25,500 Eritrean asylum seekers currently live in Israel, according to Assaf, an organization that aids refugees.
Eritreans who fled to Israel over its border with Egypt say they will face persecution if they are repatriated. Eritrea requires exit permits for its citizens and has a mandatory military draft.
REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere
