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Palestinians stage third day of London demos
Rashid Razaq31.12.08
PROTESTERS demonstrated for the third day in a row outside the Israeli Embassy in London against the airstrikes in Gaza.
Holding placards demanding "End the siege on Gaza" and chanting "Free Palestine", tempers again ran high as police officers stopped militant groups from storming the embassy.
Pushed back from the building's gates on to Kensington High Street, the demonstrators burnt an Israeli flag and shouted "free Palestine".
However, there were no arrests yesterday following the 17 arrests after Sunday and Monday's demonstrations. Police estimated the crowd only numbered about 300; an estimated 2,000 turned out on the first day.
Denise El-haj-Alkhalil, 59, who lives in Kensington and whose father is Palestinian, said: "I wasn't born in Palestine but it is my country and will be my children's country as well. The Israelis are monstrous for what they are doing. How can they see all these victims and be happy about it?"
Stop the War Coalition and Friends of Al Aqsa, two of the groups organising the demonstrations, said the protests would keep going with the Egyptian Embassy to be targeted on Friday for its support of the Israeli government. A mass rally is planned in Trafalgar Square on Saturday.
Reader views (8)
The best comments you can think of, "bet there all on benefits" Narrow minded fools.
Stand up for something for once in your lives!
And i have a full time job thank you!
- Bert Johnson, Brixton
We get the same kind of thing here on occasions - people living off benefits demonstrating outside a consulate or whatever. As some have commented, no, they didn't have to take the day off work because our taxes pay for their parasitic and pathetic lifestyles. Have any of them volunteered to go back and fight the Israelis? No, I thought not. And Jon Kent, your comment about democracy was rubbish.
- James Wells, Perth, Australia
Jon Kent, ! What evidence do you have for saying that?
- Moses, Hertford
Im glad to see that they could get the day off work to cause chaos in our city.I bet it will be quiet on benefit day!!!!!
- Paul, london
I gather they will go back to work after the xmas holidays then ? No thought not, just back to the benefit office.
- Grim Reaper, Hell
At least, Adam, in the UK, Journalists are still allowed to report what they see-had they been trying to report the atrocities being carried out in Gaza the Israeli's would ensure that no news is allowed out. What does that say about democracy?
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK
I trust the police will monitor and charge those who cause threatening behaviour.
- Adam, Harrow, UK
Nice to live in a country where you can protest.
- Paul Freeman, London, England
