Oslo  - Norwegian police used teargas Thursday to disperse counter-protesters in connection with a public rally in support of Israel in downtown Oslo.

Siv Jensen, leader of the opposition, populist Progressive Party, was a keynote speaker, saying that "war is the worst thing there is," but insisting Israel was "exercising the right to defend itself."

Several hundred people including several parliamentarians attended the rally that was organized by pro-Israel groups including With Israel for Peace.

During Jensen's speech, angry counter-protesters burned an Israeli flag. After the rally, there were scuffles and some counter-protesters also fired fireworks at police, who responded with teargas. Some counter-protesters also threw eggs and bottles, local media reported.

There were no immediate reports of any injuries.

Later torch rallies to show support for the victims of the Middle East conflict and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were organized in Oslo and other cities including Bergen, Stavanger and Tromso.

The rallies were backed by a broad range of Norwegian organizations and groups including Save the Children, the Norwegian Red Cross, Amnesty International Norway, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, the Confederation of Sports, the Norwegian Football Association, the trade union confederation LO, the Federation of Norwegian Professional Associations Akademikerne, and the Norwegian Christian Council. (dpa)