Thousands took to the streets of Mexico City on Sunday to demand the country cut diplomatic relations with Israel amid the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

Demonstrators marched through the city, beating drums and pans while waving flags and banners aloft and chanting in support of the Palestinians.

For many of the protesters, they said the scenes they have witnessed as the war continues in Gaza pushed them to come out and issue their demands to the government.

"It's surprising that this is happening in this day and age and that we see it, because social media has really opened our eyes to the world," said one protester Sofía Campero.

The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed than 61,900 people in Gaza, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children.

The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts consider it the most reliable source on casualties. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own.

AP video by Amaranta Marentes