"Police used tear gas and water cannons in Udine on Tuesday to disperse dozens of protesters who were opposing the presence of the Israeli national team before their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Italy. Footage shows riot police officers advancing, firing tear gas, blocking thrown objects, and using water cannons to extinguish fires caused by explosives, while forcing some demonstrators to the ground. Up to 10,000 demonstrators held a peaceful march toward the Bluenergy Stadium ahead of the match, according to media reports, before roughly 50 protesters clashed with the police. Around 1,000 officers and army personnel, along with helicopters, drones, and snipers on the Israel team’s hotel roof, reportedly secured the area for the match. Italy defeated Israel 3-0, remaining second in Group I of the World Cup Qualifiers and aiming for a playoff spot to qualify for the next year's tournament in the United States. Israel has faced protests demanding its ban from the 2026 World Cup by FIFA, similar to Russia’s exclusion from global sports events after its 2022 military operation in Ukraine. It comes after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into force on Friday, covering a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as an Israeli withdrawal to the 'yellow line', a boundary limit within Gaza. On Monday, the last 20 Israeli captives, as well as four bodies, were handed over in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The truce forms part of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal, unveiled on September 29 alongside Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu."