Protesters call for end to Gaza incursion at Israeli embassy in Cypriot capital

Protestors burn a hand-painted Israeli flag next to a graffiti of the Star of David symbol, seen on the ground, during an anti Israel demonstration outside of the Israeli embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, July 21, 2014. Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters demanded a halt to military action in Gaza during a peaceful protest near the Israeli embassy in the Cypriot capital. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Protestors hold a banner during an anti Israel demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, July 21, 2014. Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters demanded a halt to military action in Gaza during a peaceful protest near the Israeli embassy in the Cypriot capital. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Palestinian women who live in Cyprus, hold Palestinian flags as they take part in an anti-Israel demonstration outside the Israeli embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus, Monday, July 21, 2014. Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters demanded a halt to military action in Gaza during a peaceful protest near the Israeli embassy in the Cypriot capital. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) (The Associated Press)

Several hundred pro-Palestinian protesters have demanded a halt to military action in Gaza during a peaceful protest near the Israeli embassy in the Cypriot capital.

Monday's protest was organized by left-wing trade unions and peace groups and included Turkish Cypriot activists from the ethnically divided island's breakaway north.

Riot police standing behind a cordon of barbed wire-topped fences prevented marching protesters from approaching the embassy's entrance.

Some protesters burned a hand-painted Israeli flag.

Organizers condemned the bloodshed in Gaza and urged the international community to put pressure on Israel to stop the fighting.