thousands protested in Venice

Rome (dpa) — Some 2,000 people gathered on Friday to protest against Israel’s participation in the Venice Biennale, a day before the opening of the 61st edition of the prestigious art festival, local police told dpa.

A video posted on the website of Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper shows a clash between demonstrators and police.

Officers can be seen holding back protesters – who are waving Palestinian flags – with shields and batons.

Israel has come under international criticism for its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which killed just over 71,000 people by the end of 2025 according to Palestinian health authorities. Critics accuse Israel of war crimes and genocide during the conflict.