Source: Google News
Wire Service: AP
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gdgQSUDJCxBBWQPUcRjKjuGhon8wD95FCK7O0
Thousands protested Friday against Israel's air offensive targeting Hamas at demonstrations in the Middle East and several continents.
Similar protests have been held daily across the Middle East since Israel launched the bombing campaign last Saturday. But these gatherings held mostly after Friday prayers were larger — mainly because Friday prayers are a traditional gathering opportunity for Muslims — and seemed to be more far-reaching in the number of countries where protests occurred.
The Israeli offensive has killed more than 400 Palestinians and sparked outrage among the Arab public. Israel says its offensive is aimed at silencing Hamas rockets.
In Tehran, a crowd of about 6,000 stretching for a half-mile (kilometer) marched from prayers at Tehran University to Palestine Square, chanting "Death to Israel" and "Death to America" and burning Israeli flags.