Protests break out in Paris over pro-Israel gala organized by far-right figures

NEWS WIRES
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A gala organized in Paris by far-right association "Israel is Forever", which aimed to "mobilize French-speaking Zionist forces" and raise funds for Israeli armed forces, incited two pro-Palestine protests in the French capital. French authorities said the event featuring Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ardent supporter of Israeli settlements, posed "no threat to public order".

Protests erupted in Paris on Wednesday against a controversial gala organized by far-right figures in support of Israel. The event, intended to raise funds for the Israeli military, included Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich among its invited guests.

The demonstrations came on the eve of a high-stakes soccer match at France's national stadium against the Israeli national team, overshadowed by tensions around the wars in the Middle East. Authorities in Paris announced that more than 4,000 police officers and 1,600 stadium staff will be deployed for the game.

Smotrich, a vocal advocate of Israeli settlements, had been expected to attend Wednesday's gala, dubbed “Israel is Forever,” which was planned by an association of the same name. The group’s stated goal is to “mobilize French-speaking Zionist forces.”

(AP)


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Read also:
Controversy erupts over lavish Paris gala for Israel's far right
Paris to deploy 4,000 police for France-Israel match following Amsterdam violence
Amsterdam police detain pro-Palestinian protesters at banned demonstration

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