A+ A-

Hollande summons religious leaders amid growing anti-Israeli clashes

PARIS, July 21 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande has called in religious leaders here for consultations on Monday after clashes linked with Israel's onslaught against Gaza were followed by growing violence, Hollande's office said.
In Paris, there have been three violent clashes between police and youths after rallies protesting Israeli attacks against Gaza. Dozens of arrests were made and there were several injuries and some property damage during the street fighting.
Pro-Palestinian organisers accuse Jewish militants and pro-Israeli militias of having infiltrated the peaceful protests a week ago here.
A second Palestinian demonstration last Saturday was banned on the recommendation of Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, but several thousand protesters gathered in central Paris, nonetheless, leading to more clashes with police.
In a third protest on Sunday, media reports here said Jewish businesses and a synagogue were targeted by rioting youths in the ethnically-mixed suburb of "Sarcelles".
Interior Minister Cazeneuve is attending the meeting between Hollande and religious leaders later Monday. (pickup previous) jk.sd