Eighteen Swiss Police Officers Injured During Clashes with Pro-Palestine Protesters
Eighteen Swiss police officers sustained injuries after clashes with pro-Palestine demonstrators in Bern. The protest took place on a recent Saturday, against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Unrest in the Swiss Capital
The unauthorised protest involved thousands of participants and turned violent as police intervened. Officers attempted to manage the crowd’s movements, resulting in escalations.
Police Measures and Crowd Response
Authorities resorted to tear gas and water cannons against approximately 5,000 protesters. The participants responded by throwing objects, intensifying the situation.
Michael Bettschen from the Bern cantonal police stated that coercive measures were essential under the circumstances.
Impact and Damage
- Over 50 properties were damaged, with smashed windows and graffiti.
- The financial impact is expected to reach millions of Swiss francs.
The event was organized by pro-Palestinian entities across Switzerland.
Additional Arrests and Historical Context
One person was arrested during the demonstration. Such significant confrontations are uncommon in Switzerland.
A related protest in Geneva on October 2 also witnessed police-protester clashes.
Current Geo-political Context
The unrest coincided with a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This truce held for a third consecutive day, as U.S. President Donald Trump prepared to address Israel’s parliament.
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