LONDON, Dec 28 (KUNA) — Angry confrontations broke out at the Israeli Embassy in London today Sunday as protesters against the Gaza bombing blitz gathered in a vociferous demonstration.
Palestinian families and campaign supporters crammed the pavement of High Street Kensington and chanted in unison: “Five, six, seven, eight – Israel is a terror state”.
Barriers penning the demonstrators were torn down and riot police were brought in to control the crowds.
The crowds – which eventually totalled more than 500 – waved Palestinian flags and held up placards, including some which read “holocaust in Gaza” and “no peace, no justice”.
Britain called for an “immediate halt to all violence” in Gaza today as devastating airstrikes by Israel continued.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said an “urgent ceasefire” was needed to stop the “massive loss of life” in the territory.
He insisted that Tel Aviv must abide by its “humanitarian obligations”, and said he and Prime Minister Gordon Brown were following the situation with “grave concern”.
Mr Miliband said this afternoon: “The Prime Minister and I are following developments in Gaza with grave concern.
“The rise in rocket attacks on Israel since December 19, and yesterday’s massive loss of life, make this a dangerous moment which should be of concern to the whole of the international community.
“The UK supports an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence”.
Mr Miliband said the deteriorating humanitarian situation was “deeply disturbing”, and the PM had spoken to his Israeli counterpart Ehud Olmert.
“Israel must abide by its humanitarian obligations,” Mr Miliband added. “The UK supports the prompt and sufficient delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip”.