TEL AVIV: There were clashes between Eritrean asylum seekers and Israeli police in Tel Aviv that resulted in hundreds of injuries, some of which were caused by live ammunition.
Stun grenades, tear gas and bullets with sponge tips were used to attack hundreds of demonstrators.
The unrest started when demonstrators against the Eritrean government asked Israeli authorities to postpone a Saturday embassy event.
Protestors running away from stun grenade.
However, demonstrators battled with supporters of Eritrea’s leadership. An investigation has been launched to determine if the use of live ammunition was legal, with evidence being gathered at the scene.
BREAKING| Over 100 people were injured, some life-threatening, after anti-Eritrean government protesters clash with Israeli police outside the embassy in ‘Tel Aviv’, protesting against the Eritrean government’s “festival” designed to raise cashed and support for the regime,… pic.twitter.com/SgAEign4gX
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) September 2, 2023
Divisions within Eritrea over President Isaias Afwerki’s authority have spread to the diaspora, and this is the latest outbreak of violence in recent weeks.
According to Israeli press reports, the demonstrators marched towards the location of the event. They were originally kept back by police barricades, but eventually broke through.
As police helicopters circled overhead and Israeli policemen shot live rounds, residents said the streets of central Tel Aviv sounded like a war zone.
Protesters clashed with police, destroyed windows in adjacent shops, and damaged cars.
A report from police, demonstrators for and against the Eritrean regime intended to rally in separate regions but failed to do so.
According to an Israeli police statement, officers deployed their guns because they believed their lives were in danger. It was also stated that 27 people were hurt.
Earlier this week, authorities announced at a press conference that various Eritrean factions had decided to hold separate rallies this Saturday.
Government supporters in Asmara were planned to gather near the embassy. Opponents were scheduled to demonstrate at the nearby old central bus station.
According to investigators, the two parties did not keep their promises.
The Haaretz newspaper quoted an unnamed senior police source as saying, “We were very surprised by the level of violence, scenes you only see in the West Bank.”
According to authorities, hundreds of cops have now been deployed in the region.
The Magen David Adom emergency medical service reported treating 114 injured people in the middle of the day. The majority suffered minor injuries, including 30 police officers, the most of whom were seriously bruised. There were eight in critical condition and thirteen in moderate condition.
Previous incidences of violence between different factions of Eritrean asylum seekers have occurred.
In 2019, an asylum seeker who supported the dictatorship was fatally attacked in south Tel Aviv, during a turf war between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government in impoverished communities where many members of the community live.
Although Eritreans who support the dictatorship do not appear to require international protection as refugees, Israeli authorities, according to local media, have not made distinctions amongst asylum seekers based on their political and religious affiliations.
Eritrea’s diaspora has held celebrations to honour 30 years of independence from Ethiopia.
Protests and outbreaks of violence have disrupted certain events in Europe and North America, including a three-day Eritrean cultural festival in Toronto, Canada, last month, after supporters and opponents of Eritrea’s regime battled.
