Rome  - Thousands of people, many waving Palestinian flags, on Saturday held marches and rallies in the Italian cities of Milan, Turin and Florence to protest the Israeli military incursion in the Gaza Strip.

Scuffles broke out when some demonstrators set fire to an Israeli flag while others attempted to stop them during an afternoon march in downtown Milan, news reports said.

Also in Milan, several hundred Muslims knelt in prayer near the city's main railway station.

A spokesman for a group representing Palestinians living in Italy said over a loudspeaker the gesture was meant to signify a "desire for peace."

Similar marches took place in Turin and in Florence, where demonstrators gathered near the city's famous Duomo Roman Catholic cathedral.

Saturday's protests were organized by left-wing unions and political parties as well as peace activists and religious groups. (dpa)