ATHENS

A pro-Palestinian rally was held in the Greek capital on Thursday, as Israel continued its bombardment and blockade of Gaza in response to an unprecedented surprise attack by Hamas.

Gathering at the central Syntagma Square in Athens on the call by various left wing collectives, some 200 demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, and banners condemning Israeli policies towards Palestine. The rally ended without any disturbances.

Meanwhile, numerous trade unions associated with pro-Greek Communist Party trade union PAME, and pensioner associations, among others, issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

The statement demanded the end of the Israeli occupation, the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of 1967 borders, the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes and the immediate release of all Palestinian and other political prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

The ongoing conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the offensive was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.

The Israeli military, in retaliation, launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.​​​​​​​