Supporters of both Palestine and Israel gathered at a small demonstration near the San Diego County Administration Center. The meeting of both groups raised tension and concerns about a possible altercation.

Hundreds of Palestinian supporters gathered near downtown San Diego and its coastline on Sunday afternoon, demanding an end to Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas' attack just over a week ago.

Approximately 500 demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading "Free Palestine." The march proceeded south on Harbor Drive, east on Broadway, north on Pacific Highway, and west on Ash Street back to the government building.

"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," they chanted.

The group observed a moment of silence on Broadway at the intersection with Pacific Highway.

The demonstration took place as Israel prepared for a coordinated offensive in Gaza, where food, water, fuel, and medical supplies were running scarce. Israel stated that the planned attack would be an effort to dismantle Hamas after the militant group's surprise attack on October 7.

During the Sunday demonstration, signs and speeches from various speakers called for an end to U.S. support for the Israeli military and what they characterized as Israel's long-standing oppression of Palestinians. According to news reports, the United States provides over $3 billion in military aid to Israel each year.

On the other hand, a group of around 50 counterprotesters appeared. Several waved Israeli and American flags, while some held flyers with images of Israelis reportedly kidnapped by Hamas. The counterprotesters stayed near the County Administration Center as the Palestinian supporters' group marched past them.

Tensions briefly escalated when the pro-Palestinian group returned to the area. Although some demonstrators from both sides came face to face, the protests were largely peaceful.

Several pro-Palestinian supporters expressed their desire for the public to remember that the violence did not start with the recent Hamas attack and called attention to what they described as decades of Israeli oppression against Palestinians.

Some of the demonstrators mentioned having recently visited Palestinian territories and described the situation in Israel as lamentable. The information in this report was sourced from the San Diego Union Tribune via their website.