The demonstrators gathered to denounce the government of Asmara, according to national television stations, but then the march turned violent and was intervened by law enforcement officers. The Red Star of David emergency service reported that 19 policemen were wounded, while the Ichilov Hospital indicated that 11 people were treated for gunshot wounds, including four in serious conditions.

The armed body detailed in a statement that the officers fired in the air when the demonstrators, grouped in front of a site where the Eritrean embassy planned to hold a festival, broke through barriers on Yad Harutzim Street.

However, they then opened fire ” upon perceiving that their lives were in danger and that, as a result, there were wounded.”

The online version of the Haaretz newspaper reported that the police also used stun grenades and tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

Videos posted on social media showed street battles between uniformed officers and protesters.

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