Tel Aviv, Israel — Israeli police used live fire to quell violent protests that broke out between hundreds of Eritrean asylum seekers and police in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
The protests erupted after a group of Eritrean asylum seekers gathered in the southern part of the city to protest an event organized by the Eritrean embassy. The event was reportedly in celebration of the Eritrean army.
Police said that the protests turned violent when some of the asylum seekers began throwing rocks and other objects at officers. The police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets.
The clashes continued for several hours, and by the end, 27 police officers and 19 asylum seekers had been injured. Three of the asylum seekers were seriously injured, according to police.
Kerusuhan terjadi hari ini di Ibu Kota Tel Aviv, Israel, antara pemukim Yahudi dari Eritrea dengan polisi. Insiden ini melukai 75 orang, termasuk 23 polisi. pic.twitter.com/5GfUUvgRnP
— Faisal Assegaf (@albaladco) September 2, 2023
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of additional police to Tel Aviv to restore order.
“I have received an update from the Minister of Security and the Police Commissioner about the riots,” Netanyahu said. “I have ordered the necessary steps to restore public order.”
The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations by Eritrean asylum seekers in Israel. The asylum seekers, who fled persecution in their home country, say that they face discrimination and hardship in Israel.
The Israeli government has said that it is committed to helping Eritrean asylum seekers, but it has also taken steps to crack down on illegal immigration.
