Palestinian flags were a common sight on Saturday as protests against living costs, war and government policies swept cities across Europe, with demonstrators in Italy, France and Belgium voicing support for Gaza.
In Italy, thousands marching against war, rearmament and the country's involvement in conflicts carried Palestinian flags in several cities. Police briefly detained 371 people in eight cities.
Flags at the Colosseum
In Rome, crowds waving Italian and Palestinian flags marched up to the Colosseum. Police used water cannon and tear gas, and 43 young people were taken to a police station after officers found balaclavas and keffiyehs on them.
In Bologna, a march organized by Young Palestinians and student collectives saw about 300 people confront police. Six people were taken to hospital.
Water cannon in Paris
Palestinian flags also appeared at protests in France, where 410,000 people marched and nearly 1,000 were detained. In Paris, demonstrators carrying a Palestinian flag were hit by a water cannon.
In Grenoble, Allan Brunon of the left-wing France Unbowed party posed for photos with protesters waving Palestinian flags. The party has been an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.
Barricades in Belgium
The protest wave that began in France has spilled into Belgium, where footage shows demonstrators building barricades out of e-scooters. Riots in Brussels on Oct. 17 led to 150 arrests.
Fresh famine fears in Gaza
The show of solidarity comes as famine fears rise again in Gaza. Aid shipments into the enclave were halted for six straight days last week after Israel closed the crossings, causing shortages of eggs, flour and onions.
The World Food Programme has cut the number of people receiving monthly food aid from 1.6 million to 1.1 million because of funding shortfalls, while the price of a bundle of bread in Gaza has jumped from 5 to 12 shekels.
