Several thousand people have demonstrated in Paris under the rallying cry “Stop the massacre in Gaza”, AFP reports.

The left-wing organisers called for France to “demand an immediate ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas.

“I came to support the Palestinian cause, for a ceasefire in Gaza,” said engineer Ahlem Triki, a Palestinian flag over her shoulders.

“It is elementary that as activists or simple citizens, you go out onto the street to support the Palestinian people,” said 85-year-old trade unionist Claude Marill.