Title: Violent Clashes Break Out in Tel Aviv as Eritrean Protesters Clash with Supporters and Police
Date: September 2, 2023
Over 150 individuals, including 30 police officers, were reported injured on Saturday in Tel Aviv as clashes erupted between asylum seekers from Eritrea protesting against their government, supporters of the regime, and the police trying to maintain order. The violence occurred during a demonstration against an official Eritrean government event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the current ruler’s rise to power.
The chaotic scene unfolded when opposing groups confronted each other – opponents of the regime, dressed in blue, and government supporters, clad in red. The rallies swiftly descended into hours of violence, with clashes spreading through a neighborhood where many asylum seekers reside. Demonstrators armed themselves with construction lumber, rocks, pieces of metal, and even an axe, resulting in the destruction of shop windows and police cars, with blood spatter on the sidewalks.
Law enforcement in riot gear attempted to control the situation by using tear gas, stun grenades, and even live rounds. Police officers on horseback were also deployed, but the protesters managed to break through barricades and pelted the police with rocks. The police resorted to live fire when they believed their lives were in danger.
The Magen David Adom emergency service reported that among the injured were 14 individuals in serious condition, with 11 of them sustaining gunshot wounds. At Ichilov Medical Center, four of the seriously injured individuals required surgery. The injuries ranged from stabbings to head wounds. The Wolfson Medical Center in Holon also received injured demonstrators, although their conditions were not immediately known.
The violence prompted Prof. Ronni Gamzu, administrator of Ichilov Medical Center, to describe the incident as a mass casualty event of an unprecedented scale in his tenure. Police said the clashes began when protesters attempted to disrupt an embassy event, resulting in the breach of police barriers and rioting.
The clashes between Eritrean nationals also highlighted the intensity and unexpected level of violence. Videos posted on social media showcased street battles between the police and rioters, as well as confrontations between different groups within the Eritrean community.
Police Chief Kobi Shabtai defended the force’s preparation for the rallies, emphasizing that they had doubled the number of officers present. However, the situation escalated beyond their control, leading to live fire being used. The Justice Ministry’s Police Internal Investigations Department announced an investigation into the use of live ammunition during the riots.
An Eritrean community leader cited their prior warning to the police about potential disturbances, which were ignored, as they requested the cancellation of the embassy event.
This incident reflects previous outbreaks of violence within the Eritrean migrant community and the ongoing tensions between those who support and oppose the regime. Eritrea has been described as the “North Korea of Africa,” with a repressive government led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has maintained power since Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia.
As the investigation into the clashes continues, the incident has raised concerns regarding police response to demonstrations and the need for better preparation in handling such situations.