Hundreds of protesters demanded a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, voicing their plea in the state Assembly on the first day of California's legislative session on January 3.

After the opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrators, donned in matching black t-shirts, stood and began singing slogans such as 'Cease-fire now' and 'Let Gaza live.'

Several individuals unfolded banners in the chamber's gallery, displaying messages like 'Jews say never again for anyone'.

Jim Wood, a Democratic assemblymember presiding over the session, initially attempted to continue despite the protest.

However, facing sustained calls, a recess was called, and the session adjourned shortly after.

Protesters persisted in their call for a cease-fire, even as the lights in the chamber were extinguished, using phone flashlights for continued expression.

Israel has declared war and besieged the Gaza Strip in retaliation for an attack by the Palestinian ruling party Hamas at a music festival on October 7.

However, Israel has been accused of genocide and using the attacks to ethnically cleanse the region and expand the Jewish state into Gaza and other Palestinian territories in the West Bank.