French police ban pro-Palestine protests as Hamas-Israel war rages

French police have banned protests in solidarity with Palestinians that were scheduled for later this week, as war between Hamas and Israel continues to rage.

Two demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine - one organised by the Association France Palestine Solidarite, the other by the Collectif National Paix Juste Durable Palestine - were set to take place early on Thursday evening in Paris.

The ban on the protests was implemented "taking into account the risk of disturbance to public order", the Paris police prefecture reportedly told AFP.

A protest in France's second city of Lyon scheduled for Wednesday evening has also been banned by local police. 

However, a local anti-fascist group called on people to attend the protest despite the ban.

A protest in Lyon set for Monday had also been banned, but some demonstrators pressed ahead with it. Police used tear gas and batons to break up the protest.

There have been protests worldwide since Saturday when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, leaving hundreds dead.

Israel has almost relentlessly bombarded the Gaza Strip since, killing over 1,000 Palestinians, including dozens of children.

Hamas has continued to launch rockets into Israel, and on Wednesday afternoon its fighters once again infiltrated Israeli territory.

A protest in support of Israel took place in Paris on Monday, attended by thousands.

In a show of solidarity with Israel, the lights of the city's iconic Eiffel Tower were switched off Sunday. The landmark was then lit up in the colours of the Israeli flag the following night.

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed "steadfast support" for Israel after the attacks.