Riot police in northern Paris fired teargas canisters and stun grenades to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters who responded by launching projectiles. Demonstrators also climbed on top of a building and tore up an Israeli regime flag.

President Francois Hollande earlier said he had asked his interior minister to ban protests.

In defiance of the ban, large crowds gathered in northern Paris chanting "Israel, murderer" until they were dispersed by tear gas.

Peaceful rallies were also held in more than a dozen other cities, from Lille in the north to Marseille in the South.

According to Gaza officials, at least 324 Palestinians, including more than 70 children, have been killed in the 12-day Israeli aggression against the besieged enclave.

More than 2,200 others have been injured since the Israeli deadly offensive began on July 8.

The United Nations says the number of displaced people of Gaza has almost doubled over the past 24 hours. More than 40,000 Palestinians are now homeless.

RA/SHI