England defends Moeen Ali for wearing pro-Gaza wristbands during third Test

England has defended their all-rounder Moeen Ali for showing his support for Gaza by wearing wristbands during the third Test with India.

Ali, who plays for county club Worcestershire, wore bands saying 'Free Palestine' and 'Save Gaza' on the second day in Southampton.

International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations state that players should not wear messages relating to 'political, religious or racial activities', The BBC reported.

The ICC is investigating the matter but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said that Ali has done nothing wrong.

According to Rule 19F of the ICC Clothing and Equipment Rules and Regulations, players should not convey messages with their clothing unless approved in advance by the player's official board, but approval would not be granted for political messages.

An ICC spokesman confirmed that they are investigating and would report in due course.

There was an upsurge in violence in Gaza and southern Israel on Monday, three weeks into an Israeli offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Before Monday, more than 1,030 Palestinians, mostly civilians, had been killed, along with 43 Israeli soldiers and three civilians in Israel, the report added.