Swiss Police Disperse Anti-Israel Protest Using Water Cannons and Pepper Spray

Swiss police in Basel forcefully dispersed an unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration on Saturday, August 29, which coincided with the anniversary of the First Zionist Congress. Approximately 200 to 300 individuals gathered at Theaterplatz around 2 p.m., chanting slogans against Israel and displaying signs that read "End Zionism." The protest was planned under the slogan "Death to Zionism," a reference to the 1897 First Zionist Congress convened by Theodor Herzl in Basel.

Authorities, anticipating the event and deploying additional officers, established a perimeter, deployed water cannons, and gradually surrounded the protesters for identity checks. Clashes erupted during the operation, prompting police to use pepper spray to control individuals who were reportedly disrupting order.

Basel police had previously declared the demonstration illegal due to explicit calls for violence. The event was organized by a group identified as "Basel for Palestine," which had promoted the gathering on social media. The Jewish community in Basel had expressed concerns about the protest, with Jonathan Kreutner, Secretary-General of the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities, warning of a direct threat to the community and the State of Israel.

Police stated their commitment to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community in Basel. The forceful dispersal aimed to prevent the escalation of violence and maintain public order.