- Hundreds demonstrate in Paris to express support for Palestine amid Israeli bombardment of Gaza Strip

By Umit Donmez

PARIS (AA) - Hundreds of protesters demonstrated Saturday in Paris to express support for Palestine amid intense Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Police prohibited the protests and a court approved the decision, according to media reports.

But protesters challenged the decision and gathered at Chatelet Square and chanted slogans such as "Israel murderer, Macron accomplice", and "Gaza Gaza, Paris is with you," according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Officers were deployed at the square and the main routes of the capital.

The Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since a surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7. International aid agencies said they lost contact with staff in Gaza after Israel knocked out internet and communications.

At least 7,703 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks. Some 70% of the Palestinian deaths are women and children, according to official figures.

The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.

The UN General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce, with 120 nations, including France, voting to approve the resolution put forward by Jordan.

Israel, however, rejected the resolution.

*Writing from Ankara