Hundreds stage rallies in Croatia in support of Palestine

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday in Croatia's capital Zagreb to rally in a show of support for Palestine amid its conflict with Israel.

People took part in demonstrations at Victims of Fascism Square carrying Palestinian and Serbian flags and chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine."

Demonstrators demanded an end to Israel's attacks on Palestinians.

Emina Buzinkic, one of the demonstrators, said they gathered to support the Palestinian people and call for peace.

The conflict in Gaza began when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack on Oct. 7 that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched a relentless bombardment of Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

More than 7,900 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 6,546 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis.

Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been running out of food, water, medicine and fuel, and aid convoys allowed into Gaza have carried only a fraction of what is needed.