UDINE, Italy (AP) — Snipers were on the roof of the Israel team hotel in Udine and on top of the stadium where a World Cup qualifier against Italy was taking place on Tuesday.

The Italian city has been on high alert ahead of the match and skirmishes broke out between protesters and police at a demonstration shortly before kickoff.

The match has been placed in the highest risk category despite a breakthrough ceasefire deal that has paused two years of war in Gaza .

The Israel team bus was escorted to the stadium by 13 police vehicles, including some from the special forces, and several motorbikes.

The sound of helicopters surveilling the city has filled the air since the morning, hours before Italy’s match against Israel was set to kick off at Stadio Friuli. Drones could also be s

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