TENS of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in seven Italian cities on Saturday calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, Ukraine and all global conflicts.

Peaceful rallies were held in Rome, Turin, Milan, Florence, Bari, Palermo and Cagliari, with the support of hundreds of groups and associations committed to peace, disarmament and human rights.

The marches came in response to escalating violence in the Middle East and growing conflicts worldwide. Protesters denounced the diminished role of the United Nations on the global scene.