GENEVA: The United Nations’ rights chief said on Monday he was “alarmed” by the significant number of injuries resulting from recent clashes involving Eritrean protesters in Israel.
The unrest erupted on Saturday during a protest against an Eritrean government-sponsored event, escalating into violence and causing injuries to nearly 140 individuals. Among the wounded were a dozen Eritrean asylum seekers who were struck by gunfire from Israeli police.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk conveyed his alarm regarding the elevated injury toll arising from protests featuring opposing Eritrean factions, particularly within Israel, through a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. He emphasized the critical necessity for thorough investigations, the avoidance of hate speech, especially by authorities, and the full adherence to the principle of non-refoulement.
The clashes originated outside a venue in south Tel Aviv, designated to host a pro-regime event organized by the Eritrean embassy in Israel. A substantial number of anti-government Eritreans had gathered to prevent the event from taking place. Israeli police deemed their assembly illegal and ordered the evacuation of the area. However, confrontations ensued as demonstrators clashed with police, who resorted to live ammunition against the rioters. Israeli police reported that at least 49 of their personnel were injured during these clashes.
Simultaneously, confrontations emerged between supporters and opponents of Eritrea’s government in various parts of Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Israel was contemplating the deportation of around 1,000 Eritreans who had participated in the “riots” in Tel Aviv over the weekend.
According to data from June, there are approximately 17,850 Eritrean asylum seekers residing in Israel.
