Tel Aviv Eritrean clashes fuel debates about asylum seeker deportations, raising questions on government policies and international norms

Violent Clashes in Tel Aviv Reignite Asylum Seeker Debate

^{Credit: Google | Violent Clashes in Tel Aviv}

In a shocking turn of events, Tel Aviv became the epicenter of violent clashes between Eritrean government supporters and opponents, leading to dozens of injuries, including 30 police officers and three protesters hit by police fire. The confrontation, one of the most intense among African asylum seekers and migrants in recent Tel Aviv history, has ignited a nationwide debate on deportation and the plight of asylum seekers in Israel.

The clashes unfolded as Eritrean government supporters commemorated the 30th anniversary of the current ruler’s rise to power near the Eritrean embassy in south Tel Aviv. This event shed light on Eritrea’s notorious human rights record and the ongoing fears of death faced by asylum seekers in Israel should they be forced to return.

Israeli police, donned in riot gear, resorted to tear gas, stun grenades, and live rounds as they struggled to contain the violence. They justified the use of live fire, claiming their lives were at risk. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to convene a meeting to discuss potential actions against the participants, referring to them as “illegal infiltrators”.

#BREAKING UPDATE🇮🇱
More footage emerges of violent clashes in Tel Aviv, Isreal as #Eritrean asylum seekers clash with police. #TelAviv #Isreal #TelAvivProtests #EritreanAsylumSeekers #ProDemocracy #Protest #Roits #tognews #todayonglobenews pic.twitter.com/pBcROv36hO
— Today On Globe (@TodayOnGlobe) September 2, 2023

The clashes emerged from separate events that had initially received permission, with both sides pledging to stay apart. However, these promises were soon shattered, leading to a full-scale confrontation. Tel Aviv police commander Chaim Bublil reported the arrest of 39 individuals and the confiscation of weapons like tasers, knives, and clubs.

Medical services, including the Magen David Adom rescue service, attended to at least 114 injured individuals, with eight in serious condition. Thirty police officers were among the injured. Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital treated 11 patients for gunshot wounds, while three protesters suffered injuries from police fire.

Eritreans make up the majority of over 30,000 African asylum seekers in Israel, fleeing conditions described as “North Korea of Africa” due to forced military conscription and persecution. Despite facing an uncertain future in Israel and numerous deportation attempts, many Eritrean asylum seekers value the freedom to protest and the relative safety they find in the country.

This recent clash, controversial in its nature, has raised funds for the heavily sanctioned Eritrean government and placed significant pressure on Eritreans abroad. It has also sparked a renewed debate in Israel about the treatment and future of asylum seekers, further highlighting the complexities and challenges surrounding this pressing issue.