Oslo - Norwegian police Friday said some 30 protesters, including several minors, were arrested after counter-protesters attacked a pro-Israel rally.

Police said a dozen people were likely to be charged for assaulting police officers or damaging property on Thursday evening.

At least five police officers were injured in the scuffles or by stones, and police also seized firebombs and knives.

The public rally in support of Israel was held outside parliament, and was attended by several hundred people.

Speakers included Siv Jensen, leader of the opposition, populist Progressive Party.

After the rally, there were scuffles and some counter-protesters also fired fireworks at police, who responded with teargas.

Some counter-protesters also threw stones, eggs and bottles, local media reported.

Later counter-protesters smashed shop windows along the capital's main Karl Johan avenue, and set fire to litter bins and a Christmas tree outside the university.

No incidents were reported in connection with torch rallies to show support for the victims of the Middle East conflict that were held in Oslo and other cities including Bergen, Stavanger and Tromso.

The rallies were backed by a broad range of Norwegian organizations and groups including Save the Children, the Norwegian Red Cross, Amnesty International Norway, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, the Confederation of Sports, the Norwegian Football Association, the trade union confederation LO, the Federation of Norwegian Professional Associations Akademikerne and the Norwegian Christian Council. (dpa)