Hundreds of policemen were deployed Thursday in Paris to protect a beach event honoring the city of Tel Aviv on the banks of the Seine River.

Leftist politicians and pro-Palestinian activists wanted it cancelled but Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who intiated the event with Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, didn’t bow to pressure.

City authorities said extra police protect the one-day event Thursday on the banks of the Seine River. It's part of a larger summer event called Paris Plages that transforms quayside city streets into beaches.

The banks of the city’s river are not only transformed into a beach, but there are sporting events, play areas for children, free libraries, food stalls, and other open-air attractions.

Protesters plan a rival "Gaza Plage" event Thursday near Notre Dame Cathedral.