Palestine flag unfurled from Leaning Tower of Pisa during Gaza ceasefire protest

Protestors hung a large Palestinian flag from Italy's iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and set off smoke flares during a ceasefire demonstration in the historic city.

The move came during of a large-scale demonstration in Pisa on Friday, where protesters called for an end to Israel's brutal air and ground assault on Gaza that has killed more than 13,000 people in just six weeks.

Some 15 students breached tower security to enter and climb the tower, Italian media reported.

There was no damage to the historic structure and the protest concluded peacefully, authorities said.

Pro-Palestine activists and protest participants celebrated the move on social media posts.

The picture of the Palestinian flag waving from the tower of Pisa is making the rounds, but know that it was part of a larger demonstration! Marches and rallies have been non stop in all the major Italian cities, as Italian people call for a #CeasefireNOW and a FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/78zMIUeW80

— Francesca Tacchi 🫒🇵🇸🇦🇲 (@jackdaw_writes) November 18, 2023

As in many other countries, Italy has seen pro-Palestine protests in several cities across the country since 7 October, when Israel began bombing Gaza after Palestinian group Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on Israeli territory.

Governments worldwide have reacted differently to the protests, with some including France and Germany cracking down hard on pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Italy's foreign minister has that there is no reason to ban peaceful protest.

Stunts similar to that seen at Pisa's tower have been pulled off in cities worldwide, with protesters pulling down Israeli flags from landmark buildings and replacing them with the flag of Palestine.