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Gaza protests begin across the UK Thousands protest in UK over Gaza
(30 minutes later)
Thousands of protesters are gathering in cities across the UK to call for an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Thousands of protesters have gathered in cities across the UK to call for an end to Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Organisers of a rally in Birmingham said more than 5,000 people had turned up in the city centre.Organisers of a rally in Birmingham said more than 5,000 people had turned up in the city centre.
Many waved banners, while others burned the Israeli flag and carried stretchers with representations of bodies.Many waved banners, while others burned the Israeli flag and carried stretchers with representations of bodies.
In London, former Labour minister Tony Benn was due to address the crowds forming in Trafalgar Square. Meanwhile, sources have told the BBC the Israeli cabinet is due to approve a ceasefire on Saturday followed by a speech from prime minister Ehud Olmert.
He said: "It is a moral responsibility for all of us. People are being killed not so far away from here, women and children. The sources said the ceasefire deal did not involve Hamas.
"If you want to see the politics of the future, come to Trafalgar Square, if you want to see the politics of the past, go to Westminster." In London, former Labour minister Tony Benn addressed the crowds in Trafalgar Square.
Organisers of the demonstration said they were expecting thousands of people to join the rally. He said: "It is a moral responsibility for all of us. People are being killed not so far away from here, women and children."
Afterwards a delegation of 200 women and children will go to Downing Street to hand a letter asking Gordon Brown to put pressure on Israel to call a ceasefire. After the demonstration, a delegation of 200 women and children went to Downing Street to hand in a letter asking Prime Minister Gordon Brown to put pressure on Israel to call a ceasefire.
Chris Khamis, chairman of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, said: "Children are getting killed, women are getting killed. They are unable to defend themselves. It's just horrendous.Chris Khamis, chairman of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, said: "Children are getting killed, women are getting killed. They are unable to defend themselves. It's just horrendous.
It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state Dr John SentamuArchbishop of York Protesters raid arms factory "People from all religions and no religions, and including Jews, have come here to express their outrage and demand that this medieval siege is brought to an end."It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state Dr John SentamuArchbishop of York Protesters raid arms factory "People from all religions and no religions, and including Jews, have come here to express their outrage and demand that this medieval siege is brought to an end."
The Stop the War coalition said it hoped the event would be peaceful. Last Saturday up to 20,000 people marched through the capital in a similar demonstration which ended in violence.
Last Saturday up to 20,000 people marched through the capital in a similar demonstration which ended in violence. Missiles were hurled and windows were smashed near the Israeli Embassy on Kensington High Street. Police made 24 arrests. Missiles were hurled and windows were smashed near the Israeli Embassy on Kensington High Street. Police made 24 arrests.
Protests have also begun in Cardiff, Dundee, Nottingham, Liverpool, Norwich and Cambridge. Protests have also taken place in Cardiff, Dundee, Nottingham, Liverpool, Norwich and Cambridge.
The events have been organised by Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British Muslim Association and other groups.The events have been organised by Stop the War Coalition, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British Muslim Association and other groups.
The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has told the BBC that 1,193 people have been killed, including 410 children and 108 women, since the conflict began on 27 December.The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has told the BBC that 1,193 people have been killed, including 410 children and 108 women, since the conflict began on 27 December.
There were 5,300 people wounded, including 1,600 children, the ministry said.There were 5,300 people wounded, including 1,600 children, the ministry said.
Thirteen Israelis, mostly soldiers, have been killed during the campaign.Thirteen Israelis, mostly soldiers, have been killed during the campaign.
Civil servant Faruq Ali, 39, was protesting in Birmingham. He said: "What's happened is an injustice. When you see an injustice happening, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, people want to have their voices heard."Civil servant Faruq Ali, 39, was protesting in Birmingham. He said: "What's happened is an injustice. When you see an injustice happening, whether you are Muslim or non-Muslim, people want to have their voices heard."
On Friday, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, held a special service of prayer and lament for the situation in Gaza.On Friday, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, held a special service of prayer and lament for the situation in Gaza.
He said: "It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.He said: "It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
"Therefore, the international community must redouble its efforts to bring about this reality and a lasting peace. We have all been guilty to ignore the danger signs over the last eight years.""Therefore, the international community must redouble its efforts to bring about this reality and a lasting peace. We have all been guilty to ignore the danger signs over the last eight years."