Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched in European cities on Saturday, calling for an end to the war in Gaza, amid fears that the conflict between Iran and Israel could spark wider regional devastation.

In London, AFP journalists witnessed tens of thousands of protesters waving Palestinian flags as they marched through the British capital, wearing keffiyeh scarves.

In Berlin, more than 10,000 people gathered in the city center in support of Gaza, according to police.

And in the Swiss capital, Bern, protest organizers estimated that 20,000 people gathered outside the national parliament, calling on the government to support a ceasefire.

The British capital has seen monthly protests since the start of the 20-month war between Israel and Hamas that has devastated Gaza.

On Saturday, protesters there carried signs including "Stop arming Israel" and "No war on Iran" as they marched in the sweltering heat.

"It's important to remember that people are suffering in Gaza. I'm afraid the focus will now be on Iran," said Harry Baker, 34.

“I don’t like the Iranian regime very much, but we are in a dangerous situation now. This was the third pro-Palestinian protest he has taken part in.”

Saturday’s protests come amid heightened global tensions as the United States considers whether to join Israel’s strikes on Iran.

Tehran said on Saturday that more than 400 people had been killed in Iran since Israel launched strikes last week, claiming its arch-enemy was close to acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.

About 25 people have been killed in Israel, according to official figures.

One of the London protesters, a 31-year-old Iranian student who did not want to be named, told AFP she had family in Iran and was “scared.”

“I worry about my country. I know the regime is not good, but it is still my country. I am scared,” she said.

According to UN agencies in the region, Gaza is suffering from starvation following the Israeli aid blockade.

The Gaza Civil Defense Agency said hundreds had been killed by Israeli forces as they tried to reach the US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution points.

“People should turn their eyes to Gaza. That’s where the genocide is happening,” said protester Niki Marcus, 60.

In Berlin, demonstrators gathered in mid-afternoon near parliament, with some chanting “Germany funds, Israel bombs.”

“You can’t sit on the couch and be silent. Now is the time for us all to speak up,” said one protester.

For Marwan Radwan, the aim of the protest was to draw attention to “the ongoing genocide” and the “dirty work” being done by the German government.

In Bern, demonstrators carried banners calling on the federal government to intervene in the war in Gaza, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians.

The rally there was called by organizations including Amnesty International, the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Swiss Confederation of Trade Unions.

Slogans read: “Stop the occupation,” “Stop the hunger, stop the violence,” and “Right to self-determination.”

Some demonstrators chanted: “We are all the children of Gaza.”

The total death toll in Gaza since the war began has reached at least 55,637, according to the health ministry.

Israel has denied committing genocide and says it aims to destroy Hamas after the Islamist group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killed 1,219 people. I BGNES