02:44Thousands of pro-Palestine activists took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a gala in support of Israel, organised by the group “Israel is Forever.” The event featured Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel Smotrich as the guest of honour.
Footage shows protesters igniting smoke flares and clashing with police in riot gear near Gare Saint-Lazare. The crowd then marched through the streets, chanting slogans such as 'Go to the Gala!' while displaying placards with messages like 'Silence on Gaza: Will Kill. Stop Genocide.'
"A Gala is taking place that isn't a Gala at all. It's an apology ceremony for the genocide of the Gaza Strip," said Thomas Portes from the political party La France Insoumise.
The event is taking place on the eve of a France-Israel football match that has raised fears of violence.
"This minister of the National Religious Party, part of the coalition that runs the genocidal Israeli regime," said Omar Alsoumi, a spokesperson from the group Urgence Palestine, who condemned the event as well, calling Smotrich a 'fascist minister' while accusing the French government of being complicit.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been gathering at different locations throughout Paris while demanding French authorities to cancel the gala earlier since November 8th.
Seeing red! Clashes erupt as protesters rally against pro-Israel gala in Paris
Thousands of pro-Palestine activists took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a gala in support of Israel, organised by the group “Israel is Forever.” The event featured Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel Smotrich as the guest of honour.
Footage shows protesters igniting smoke flares and clashing with police in riot gear near Gare Saint-Lazare. The crowd then marched through the streets, chanting slogans such as 'Go to the Gala!' while displaying placards with messages like 'Silence on Gaza: Will Kill. Stop Genocide.'
"A Gala is taking place that isn't a Gala at all. It's an apology ceremony for the genocide of the Gaza Strip," said Thomas Portes from the political party La France Insoumise.
The event is taking place on the eve of a France-Israel football match that has raised fears of violence.
"This minister of the National Religious Party, part of the coalition that runs the genocidal Israeli regime," said Omar Alsoumi, a spokesperson from the group Urgence Palestine, who condemned the event as well, calling Smotrich a 'fascist minister' while accusing the French government of being complicit.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been gathering at different locations throughout Paris while demanding French authorities to cancel the gala earlier since November 8th.
Thousands of pro-Palestine activists took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against a gala in support of Israel, organised by the group “Israel is Forever.” The event featured Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel Smotrich as the guest of honour.
Footage shows protesters igniting smoke flares and clashing with police in riot gear near Gare Saint-Lazare. The crowd then marched through the streets, chanting slogans such as 'Go to the Gala!' while displaying placards with messages like 'Silence on Gaza: Will Kill. Stop Genocide.'
"A Gala is taking place that isn't a Gala at all. It's an apology ceremony for the genocide of the Gaza Strip," said Thomas Portes from the political party La France Insoumise.
The event is taking place on the eve of a France-Israel football match that has raised fears of violence.
"This minister of the National Religious Party, part of the coalition that runs the genocidal Israeli regime," said Omar Alsoumi, a spokesperson from the group Urgence Palestine, who condemned the event as well, calling Smotrich a 'fascist minister' while accusing the French government of being complicit.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been gathering at different locations throughout Paris while demanding French authorities to cancel the gala earlier since November 8th.