Athens, Greece: Protesters throwing rocks at the Israeli Embassy in the Greek capital clashed with riot police firing tear gas during a rally to protest Israel's assault on Gaza.

The scuffles broke out as about 300 Greek and Arab protesters waving Palestinian flags gathered outside the embassy for one of several rallies or demonstrations planned outside the building today. One of the demonstrations, organized by a Greek communist party, was also to pass the U. S. Embassy later in the evening.

Police blocked off major avenues and side streets near the Israeli Embassy north of the city center, while a police helicopter circled overhead.

No injuries or arrests were reported in the initial scuffles.

``Hands off Gaza, the protesters chanted, while about 100 demonstrators briefly stopped to pray, dropping to their knees in the street and facing east.

Israel launched an intense bombing campaign, the deadliest against Palestinians in decades, on Saturday in retaliation for rocket fire aimed at civilians in southern Israeli towns. The Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 315 people and reduced dozens of buildings to rubble. Israel has launched more than 300 airstrikes, and its military has said naval vessels have also bombarded targets from the sea.

Israel's defense minister has said his military is fighting a ``war to the bitter end against Hamas.

Source : PTI