Activists Protest Israeli Attacks in Gaza
ANSWER says event drew tens of thousands
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 | Updated 9:45 AM EDT
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Smoke billows from Gaza on January 10, 2009 as seen from the Israel-Gaza border in Israel. Despite calls from the United Nations for a cease fire, heavy fighting continues between Israel and Hamas militants. Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, are currently holding talks in Cairo aimed at ending the two-week conflict.
WASHINGTON -- A large group of protesters marched in Washington Saturday to show their opposition to Israel's war against Gaza.
Officials with the ANSWER Coalition said the Saturday demonstration, dubbed "Let Gaza Live!" appeared to draw tens of thousands of people.
ANSWER Coalition organizer Bill Hackwell said protesters marched for nearly three hours in freezing rain.
He said similar demonstrations took place in Los Angeles and San Francisco, attracting some 10,000 marchers.
In Washington, activists began with a rally at the White House that featured several speakers, including former presidential candidate Ralph Nader and former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.
Last month, McKinney and a group of international peace activists tried to deliver medical supplies to Gaza when the boat she was on was halted and damaged by the Israeli navy.
Copyright Associated Press
