BRUSSELS

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Tuesday in the heart of Brussels in a powerful show of support for Palestine.

The crowd carried Palestinian flags, images of the bombardment in Gaza, pictures of children and journalists who were killed and chanted: "Freedom for Palestine."

Many Europeans participated in the protest wearing a kufiyye -- a symbol of Palestinian resistance.

Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood early Saturday, firing a barrage of rockets and infiltrating Israel by land, air and sea.

It said the surprise attack was in response to the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, and increased settler violence against Palestinians.

In retaliation, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas.

More than 2,300 people have been killed in the current bout of violence, including at least 1,100 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis.