Violent Protests in Tel Aviv; Supporters and Opponents of Eritrean President Clash

More than a hundred people were injured in violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the Eritrean government and President Isaias Afwerki in Tel Aviv, Israel. According to Reuters, the clashes occurred during an event organized by the Eritrean embassy to commemorate "Revolution Day." September 1 marks the anniversary of the start of Eritrea's independence war from Ethiopia in 1961. Reuters reported that Israeli police fired stun grenades to stop the fighting, while some protesters threw stones at the police and set trash cans on fire. Video footage on social media shows Eritrean government supporters attacking the opposition group with sticks. Israeli medical officials say 114 people, including about 30 police officers, were treated for injuries sustained in the clashes. According to an assessment by a refugee assistance organization, approximately 25,500 Eritrean citizens currently live in Israel. Some of those who fled to Israel say they would face repression if they returned to Eritrea. Isaias Afwerki has led the country since 1993, following Eritrea's independence. Human rights groups have condemned his government as highly repressive. The country is subject to various sanctions from the United States and the European Union. Putin says he will donate up to 50,000 tons of free grain to Africa despite Western sanctions. For the second time in recent months, seven players from the Eritrean national football team have disappeared after traveling to Uganda. Israel has abandoned its plan to forcibly deport illegal migrants.