There have been protest marches across Europe in reaction to the continuing violence between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. 

Thousands gathered in London, Madrid, Paris and many other cities across Europe. The majority brought Palestinian flags and messages supporting those in Gaza, however there were further gatherings of people waving Israeli flags and defending the state's right to defend itself. 

Watch CGTN Europe's reports on the latest events in Gaza, and Iolo ap Dafydd reporting from the protest in London and Rahul Pathak from Madrid:

In France, authorities banned a planned protest - fearing the violent clashes that occurred in 2014. Despite the ban, hundreds took to the streets of Paris and were met by police in riot gear, and using tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowds. 

In London, protestor Marwan Elfallah said "enough is enough."

The public protests came as bombing and rocket fire continued between Israel and Gaza. The al-Jalaa tower, which was used by international media such as the Associated Press and Al Jazeera, has been targeted and destroyed by the Israeli military.

An Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters the strike was targeting "Hamas military intelligence" and "ample time to evacuate" was given. 

The protests are some of the largest prompted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in several years.

The latest rocket attacks from Hamas into Israel came after several days of clashes at the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem at the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. 

And May 15 is known as the "Naqba" or "the catastrophe" and marks the time in 1948 when Palestinians were forced to give up much of their land when Israel was created. 

Every year Naqba is commemorated, but at times of violence in Gaza, it takes on special significance. 

Scroll through pictures from the protests, below.