In pictures: Tens of thousands rally in Middle East, Europe, Asia to support Palestinians

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across the Middle East and in parts of Asia, Europe and the US in support of Palestinians as Israel intensified strikes on Gaza in retaliation for Hamas assaults.

Israel's response to the attacks has prompted anger, particularly in Arab and Muslim countries.

Here's a look at the protests in different parts of the world.

UK

Thousands of people rallied in London and other UK cities for pro-Palestinian protests.

Attendees, who marched through the heart of the British capital as well as Manchester in northern England, Edinburgh in Scotland and other cities, were shadowed by a heavy police presence.

In London, demonstrators massed neared BBC News' headquarters before an afternoon rally near Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Downing Street office and residence.

Some held Palestinian flags and placards -- bearing slogans including "freedom for Palestine" -- as they made their way towards the end-point for planned speeches.

"I think all just people around the world, not just in Britain, must stand up and call for this madness (to end)," Ismail Patel, chairman of the Friends of Al Aqsa campaign, told AFP at the demonstration in the capital.

"Otherwise, in the next few days, (we) might see a catastrophe unfolding."

Turkey

Crowds gathered outside mosques to express their dissent in chants and placards. In the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, 46-year-old business owner Mikail Bakan said: "All the Muslim world needs to be one."

West Bank

In Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, youths set fires on the streets and clashed with the Israeli military.

Italy, Denmark

A huge Palestinian flag was passed overhead at a protest in Rome, and demonstrations took place in other European cities including in Braband in Denmark and in Berlin, where some protesters were detained by police.

Germany, France

Demonstrators in Duesseldorf, Germany, wave flags during a protest in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing war.

Germany and France had banned demonstrations and several Western countries said they had stepped up security, fearing that protests could lead to violence.

US

In New York, throngs of protesters assembled near Times Square, demanding Palestinian independence.

Lebanon

Religious figures in Beirut, Lebanon, carried a Palestinian flag during a march to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza on Friday.

Bangladesh

In the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, activists protested against Israel's actions after Friday prayers at the main mosque.

Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, protesters held up signs saying, "Palestine you will never walk alone". Protesters also took to the streets in Bulgaria, Yemen, Cape Town, India's Kashmir region, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Egypt.

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