Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in several European cities for pro-Palestinian demonstrations. One of the largest protests took place in Rome, where police said a quarter of a million people marched past the Colosseum. Protests also took place in Madrid, Barcelona, London, and Lisbon. Although the protests were mostly peaceful, clashes between demonstrators and police were not avoided everywhere. In London, 492 people were arrested at a rally supporting the banned group Palestine Action, the oldest of whom was 89 years old.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across Europe after Israel stopped a flotilla of more than 40 ships carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
In Rome, according to organizers, more than a million people took part in the action, while police estimate the number of participants at close to 250,000.
The protest, held under the bright sun, proceeded peacefully and was attended by students, children, and the elderly. Participants carrying banners and flags marched with chants of "Free Palestine" and other slogans.
According to law enforcement agencies, towards the end of the march, about 200 people broke away from the crowd and clashed with police near the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
