Violence continued into the night at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Barcelona, on Wednesday.

Around 1,000 protesters had marched through the Spanish city toward the Israeli consulate.

Police officers were seen hitting several demonstrators with batons.

The rally was part of a general strike in support of the Palestinian people and against Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip.

Violence erupted as some protesters set bins on fire and smashed the windows of banks and fast food restaurants.

The Spanish government is an outspoken critic of Israel's military operation, a stance that has received strong public support.

AP video by Joan Mateu Parra and David Melero, produced by Annika Wolters