Update – Paris Ban On Gaza-Support Demonstration Upheld

An administrative court in the French capital has upheld the Paris governorship's decision to ban a demonstration in support of Gazans on Saturday.



The move on Friday came ahead of Saturday's 12-hour ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza, nearly three weeks after Israel launched its offensive which has led to the deaths of at least 900 Palestinians – mostly civilians - and injured more than 5900 others.



Speaking to the press about the court's decision, France's Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve called for the cancellation of the "illegal" demonstration.



Paris police department said around 2,000 police officers would stand guard during the demonstration.



A demonstration in support of Gaza banned by the Paris governorship last Saturday took place despite the ban, with incidents of violence being reported.



Another rally, which involved about 25,000 people according to its organizers, was allowed in Paris on Wednesday and passed without any incident.



The French police department said about 15,000 people took part.



Israel pounded the Gaza Strip with fierce aerial bombardments since July 7, before launching a ground invasion dubbed "Operation Protective Edge" with the ostensible aim of halting rocket fire.



According to official Israeli figures, 35 Israeli soldiers and three civilians have been killed since the hostilities began.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ile-de-France