ROME

Palestinian flags were raised Friday in Italy during marches for International Women's Day in a powerful display of solidarity with women in the Gaza Strip.

In Rome and Milan, civil rights organizations, notably Non Una Di Meno (Not One Less), rallied and denounced femicides and violence against women.

The heart of Rome became a focal point as crowds gathered from Circo Massimo to the Ministry of Education on Trastevere Street.

A banner proclaimed: "We are striking against patriarchal violence," echoing the sentiments of thousands who took to the streets.

Palestinian flags fluttered in the air, a poignant symbol of solidarity with women in Palestine, particularly those who have fallen victim to violence.

Speakers highlighted the plight of Palestinian women, drawing attention to the thousands who have been tragically killed in Gaza.

Demonstrators hung banners urging the world not to forget the struggles facing Palestinian women.

In Rome, estimates from protesters pegged the number at an impressive 30,000, while security sources provided a more conservative figure of 10,000.

Some participants voiced discontent with chain restaurants like McDonald's, citing their perceived support for Israel.

Israel launched a destructive military campaign in the Gaza Strip in response to an Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian group, Hamas, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people.

More than 30,000 Palestinians have since been killed with the majority of the 2.3 million residents displaced and many are starving amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.