text:  BBC News with Debbie Russ. French people are voting in large numbers for the second round of parliamentary elections. Turnout appears on course to be the highest in over 40 years. The far-right National Rally is hoping to gain an absolute majority. Protests are being held across Israel to urge the government to reach a deal with Hamas and ensure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. The demonstrations come nine months after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel.