Catholic groups in Rome organise vigil for peace in Gaza

Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti on Monday presided over a vigil for peace in Gaza, organised by the Community of Sant'Egidio and other Catholic groups, in the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, in Rome, Italy, Rueters has reported. 

The development comes as tens of thousands join pro-Palestine protests and strikes in Italy and town halls in France fly the Palestinian flag.

Tens of thousands of people protested across Italy as part of a day of action to denounce the Israeli genocide in Gaza, with blockades, strikes and marches.

The demonstrations came on the same day as France and other countries prepared to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, following recognition by the UK, Australia and Canada on Sunday.

Pro-Palestine activists and elected officials also unfurled a Palestinian flag in Paris for around thirty minutes on the facade of the French capital city hall on Monday.