A pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Ukkel (Brussels) on Tuesday evening got out of hand. The police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. Police and demonstrators blamed each other for the violence.
Police use water canon and tear gas on pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the Israeli embassy
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The organisers of the demonstration accused the police of causing Tuesday evening’s violence, while the Francophone liberal mayor of Ukkel Boris Dilliès claims that the police action was justified.
Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside of the Israeli embassy at around 6pm on Tuesday to protest against the ongoing Israeli military action in Gaza. They demanded an immediate ceasefire as well as sanctions to be taken against Israel by both Belgium and the European Union. The demonstration had not been authorised by the police or Mayor Dilliès. It had been widely publicised on social media.
Who provoked who?
The demonstration started peacefully but got out of hand later and some of those present became violent. The police asked the demonstration to disperse and leave the area. This call was not heeded and missiles were allegedly thrown at the police. Police then used water cannon and tear gas on the demonstrators.
Some demonstrators allege that demonstration had remained peaceful until the police used force to break it up. One police officer is alleged to have hit a demonstrator with his baton. It is unclear whether any protesters were arrested.