Dozens of pro-Palestinians arrested in anti-war protest in Haifa

The protest, which was organized by the Balad Party, was attended by MKs Hanin Zoabi and Jamal Zahalka.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Police in Haifa arrest a pro-Palestinian demonstrator. (photo credit: Courtesy)
Police in Haifa arrest a pro-Palestinian demonstrator.
(photo credit: Courtesy)
At least 30 people were arrested during raucous clashes between police and hundreds of anti-war demonstrators in Haifa on Friday.
The protest, which was organized by the Balad Party, was attended by MKs Hanin Zoabi and Jamal Zahalka.
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted anti-Israel slogans while denouncing the government and the military’s campaign in the Gaza Strip.
“With blood and fire, we will redeem Palestine,” the protesters chanted. The demonstration took place in the German Colony section of the city, at the foot of Mt. Carmel.
At one point, protesters descended on Ben-Gurion Boulevard and obstructed traffic for a few minutes. The demonstrators refused police orders to return to the pedestrian walkways, resulting in clashes and arrests. A number of policemen were lightly injured.
Zahalka was lightly injured as he sought to defend a protester who was tussling with a police officer. Another girl who was in the demonstration broke her leg, and three others suffered light injuries.
Police said the protest was illegally assembled and that the organizers did not attain a permit from the city to hold the rally.