At least 20 police officers were injured and eight protesters arrested following clashes during a large pro-Palestinian demonstration in Barcelona on Saturday, local authorities confirmed.
The march, which drew an estimated 70,000 participants, began peacefully but turned violent when a small group of demonstrators vandalized several commercial properties, including a Carrefour supermarket, accusing the businesses of maintaining ties with Israel.
Images from the scene showed smashed storefronts and graffiti condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, as riot police moved in to disperse the crowd.
According to Barcelona police, several officers sustained minor injuries after being pelted with bottles and other projectiles.
Eight suspects were taken into custody for public disorder, vandalism, and assault on law enforcement officers.
The protests erupted amid widespread outrage following Israel’s interception of an activist flotilla that departed from Barcelona earlier in the week in an attempt to breach the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza.
Similar solidarity marches took place across Spain, including Madrid and other major cities, as well as in Rome and Lisbon, with demonstrators demanding an end to Israeli military actions and increased humanitarian access to Gaza.
Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, said that 21 of the 49 Spanish nationals detained aboard the flotilla are expected to return to Spain from Tel Aviv on Sunday.
“We are working to ensure the safe and prompt return of all Spanish citizens detained during the interception,” Albares told public broadcaster RTVE.
Authorities in Barcelona said security would remain heightened over the coming days as more demonstrations are expected.
