Protest held in Rome against Israel's attacks on Gaza

ROME

Hundreds of people gathered in Rome on Wednesday to protest against an Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza and attacks on Palestinian territories.

Nearly a thousand people gathered in Piazza della Repubblica, one of the capital's busiest squares.

Waving Palestinian flags, they called for solidarity with Palestine and frequently chanted "Free Palestine."

Gaza is currently experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel and medical supplies are running out.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said Wednesday. Israel has denied responsibility for the attack.

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

At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while more than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since the start of the operation.