Thousands join pro-Palestinian rallies around the globe as Oct. 7 anniversary nears

Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent demonstrators in Rome as tens of thousands pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets in European cities and around the globe, calling for a cease-fire as the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel approached. Security forces in several countries warned of heightened levels of alert in major cities Saturday, amid concerns that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could inspire new terror attacks in Europe or that some of the protests could turn violent. In London, thousands protested amid a heavy police presence. The atmosphere was tense as pro-Palestinian protesters and counter-demonstrators, some holding Israeli flags, passed one another. Police said at least 17 people were arrested.