The streets of Montreal witnessed violent protests organized by hundreds of demonstrators opposing "NATO" and Israel, as the demonstrations turned into acts of violence that included smashing shop windows and setting cars on fire.

The clashes with local police resulted in limited arrests, while videos documenting the chaos that engulfed the city spread on social media.

On the other hand, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the events, saying, "What we witnessed in the streets of Montreal last night was horrific.

Adding, anti-Semitic acts, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever they occur."

He added that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is in contact with local police to ensure that violators are held accountable.

Meanwhile, Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Conservative Party, attacked the government, stating that "the riots witnessed in Montreal are a result of Trudeau's government encouraging pro-Hamas groups," pointing to the absence of any official statement from the government during the events.

She also mocked Trudeau for attending a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto on the same night.

The events sparked a political controversy regarding security and public order in Canada, with increasing calls for enhanced security measures and restoring safety in the streets.

Burning of Netanyahu's picture

Local media reported that protesters burned a picture of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, used smoke bombs, and threw metal barriers in the streets.

The police were forced to intervene using batons to disperse the protesters, who numbered around 800.

Trudeau wrote a post on the "X" platform, stating that "rioters must be held accountable for their actions."

He added: "What we saw in the streets of Montreal on Friday evening was horrific. Anti-Semitic acts, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever they occur."

Mutual accusations

In turn, the "Radio Canada" reported a protester's accusation against the police for using violence during the dispersal of the protests, indicating that many participants were injured.

He added that the protest aimed to condemn "NATO's complicity with the Israeli army, which is committing genocide in Gaza, committing war crimes in Lebanon and Syria, and continues to illegally occupy Palestinian territories."

These events come amidst escalating international tensions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has sparked a wave of protests worldwide.

These demonstrations highlight growing criticism of NATO and its role in global conflicts, increasing the challenges faced by Western governments in managing internal and external tensions.