Police with large contingent at demonstrations on Middle East conflict

Two demonstrations on the Middle East conflict in Leipzig had passed off peacefully by evening. There was both a pro-Israeli and a pro-Palestinian rally there. Police were on the scene Thursday afternoon with more than 500 officers to prevent a possible escalation. Police spokesman Olaf Hoppe said they tried to keep the participants of the two demonstrations in downtown Leipzig apart.

A man who unpacked the Israeli flag at the pro-Palestinian rally, causing a brief commotion, was expelled from the demonstration. The rally, in which participants showed solidarity with Israel, passed without incident. Police forces remained on alert, the spokesman said earlier in the evening.