Geneva Gaza Blockade Protests Escalate with Tear Gas, Multiple Injuries

Around 3,000 protesters in Geneva clashed with police who used tear gas and water cannons during demonstrations supporting the Gaza flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces. The flotilla, consisting of about 40 boats carrying over 400 activists including Greta Thunberg and Swiss nationals, aimed to deliver aid to Gaza but was stopped by Israel, sparking global protests in cities such as Bern, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Karachi, Italy, and Colombia. Geneva police reported that protesters threw objects and caused property damage, leading to the rare use of crowd control measures in Switzerland. Five police officers were injured during the clashes, and one person was arrested as investigations continue. Eyewitnesses described the effects of tear gas and water cannons on the crowd, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation in a country known for its neutrality. These events reflect escalating tensions and growing international outrage over Israel’s blockade of Gaza.