Undercurrent

Israeli police were forced to use tear gas, stun grenades and water canons Tuesday to quell violence that erupted during a protest in the northern town of Umm el-Fahm, one of its largest Arab towns.

The conflict began when around 50 right-wing Jewish attempted to march through the town waving Israeli flags. The march lasted only 15 minutes, the ensuing clash neared three hours. Arab protesters hurled stones at the 2,500 police in riot gear who had them cordoned off some 400 yards from the marchers. 16 police officers and 15 protesters were wounded in the day’s events.

The march was months in the making. Originally scheduled for last year, it was canceled by police who cited concerns over possible rioting. When the Israeli Supreme Court recently ruled the marchers had the right to “exercise their sovereignty over the city,” the demonstration was rescheduled for Tuesday. Their fears were unfortunately realized.

Israeli police forces have come under scrutiny recently for their handling of crowd control during demonstrations. On Friday, March 13, American activist Tristan Anderson was critically injured when he was struck in the head by a tear gas canister during a demonstration in the West Bank town of Ni’ilin. He has since undergone three brain surgeries and remains in critical condition.