A concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris was repeatedly disrupted Thursday night after anti-Israel protesters set off flares inside the venue, prompting clashes with audience
members and leading to four arrests, French authorities said Friday.
According to local reports, activists interrupted the performance at the Philharmonie de Paris on three separate occasions. Each time, the demonstration sparked tense confrontations with concertgoers before security restored order, allowing the orchestra to resume playing.
In a statement, the Philharmonie condemned the disruptions and said it will file a formal complaint. “Nothing can justify such actions,” the venue said. “It is entirely unacceptable to threaten the safety of the public, staff, and artists.”
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez also denounced the incident, writing on X that he “strongly condemns the actions committed last night during a concert at the Philharmonie de Paris.”
The disturbance comes amid a broader rise in anti-Israel demonstrations across Europe linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Photo by Yeugene, Wikimedia commons.