Protesters clash in Kirkland over rising tensions caused by Hamas attacks

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KIRKLAND, Wash. — Local protests are erupting as the world watches the conflict and new war unfolding in the Middle East.

A protest in Kirkland on Sunday brought out hundreds of people — both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine.

We spoke with people on both sides and at moments, the two groups clashed as passions ran high.

Several skirmishes erupted and the violence was caught on video as fights broke out.

The protest comes as a new conflict in the Middle East exploded over the weekend.

“Our people are getting killed back home so it’s very hard for us,” said pro-Israel protester Daniel.

Some protesters say they know people who are missing.

“It’s so hard for all of us. One of my friends, dad, two people just missing,” said pro-Israel protester Nir.

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The protest in Kirkland continued for hours, starting near Third and Central. To break up the fights, Kirkland Police fired what appeared to be pepper balls, and then kept protesters divided by a closed-off street.

People on the pro-Palestine side also displayed passion.

“Our passion comes from being ethnically cleansed for 75 years,” said pro-Palestine protester Bissan Barghougi. “We are here because we believe in the right in Palestinian self-defense, the right to land back, and the right to self-determination.”

“I am Jewish so I care about Jewish people’s safety. That’s incredibly important to me. So when people say free Palestine is an anti-Semitic slogan, that’s wrong,” said pro-Palestine protester, Abby Brook.

Most people are just hoping for a swift end to the horror and violence abroad.

“This is unforgivable. I’m sorry guys, this is really hard for me,” said Nir.