Oslo/Stockholm  - Protests against the Israel's offensive in Gaza were held Saturday in the Nordic region, with thousands gathering to take part.

In the Norwegian capital Oslo, police decided not to allow protesters to approach the Israeli embassy in an attempt to avert a possible repetition of Thursday evening's violent scenes when police were forced to use teargas and arrested some 30 protesters.

At least one member of the militant autonomous group Blitz was arrested Saturday. The group had called for supporters to flout the ban against approaching the embassy.

In neighbouring Sweden, several thousand people took part in a protest in central Stockholm.

Participants included Mona Sahlin, the leader of the opposition Social Democrats and Wanja Lundby Wedin, head of the blue-collar federation LO.

After speeches at Sergels Torg square, the participants marched to the Israeli embassy which police had cordoned off. There were no immediate reports of incidents.

Gatherings were also organized in other major Swedish cities.

In the Danish capital Copenhagen, a few hundred people took part in a pro-Israel rally.

The unrest in Oslo erupted Thursday after counter-protesters attacked a pro-Israel rally held in front of parliament. Some counter-protesters also threw stones, eggs and bottles. Scuffles broke out after the rally and some counter-protesters also fired fireworks at police, who responded with teargas.

Counter-protesters also smashed shop windows along Oslo's main Karl Johan Avenue, and set fire to litter bins and a Christmas tree outside the university. (dpa)