In the hours leading up to the high-stakes G7 summit in Geneva, tense confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement boiled over into violent street clashes, forcing Swiss police to deploy aggressive crowd control measures to restore order. The unrest unfolded as thousands of anti-globalization and anti-G7 activists gathered in the Swiss city to voice their opposition to the agenda of the world’s most powerful industrialized nations. What began as a planned demonstration quickly escalated into physical conflict between the two sides, prompting authorities to respond with significant force to contain the unrest. In a statement released to the press, Swiss police confirmed that officers used water cannons to push back advancing crowds and fired tear gas to disperse groups of protesters who had engaged in violent acts against law enforcement and public property. The summit, which brings together heads of state and senior government officials from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, was already surrounded by heavy security in anticipation of widespread protests. Local officials had warned demonstrators ahead of the gathering that any unauthorized actions or acts of violence would be met with a firm response from security forces. As of the latest updates, there have been no immediate reports of serious injuries or fatalities, but multiple arrests have been confirmed in connection with the clashes. The unrest has added a layer of volatility to the start of the summit, which is expected to cover a range of pressing global issues including climate change, economic policy, international security, and global public health coordination. City officials have urged residents and visitors to avoid the area around the protest zone as police continue to work to clear the streets and reestablish calm ahead of the official start of summit proceedings.