Hundreds Rally In Boston In Support Of Palestine
BOSTON (CBS) – Violence in the Middle East has sparked protests in Boston.
Over two weeks of intense fighting, Hamas militants have fired more than 2,000 rockets towards Israel. Israel has returned relentless fire into the Gaza Strip.
Thousands who stand in solidarity with Palestine gathered in Copley Square before marching to the State House Tuesday night.
Participants are calling for an end to unconditional U.S. aid to Israel and an end to what they describe as the "siege" of Gaza. Many held signs with the names of Palestinian civilians killed in the fighting.
Dozens of Israel supporters were kept away from the protesters as they marched towards the State House. The two sides clashed on the Boston Common, but police officers quickly separated them.
Several streets in the area were closed to accommodate the rally. By 8:00 p.m., Boston Police were trying to reopen Beacon Street, but protesters staged a "die-in" and refused to move for about two hours before walking away peacefully.
There were no reports of any arrests.
Last week, at a rally on the Boston Common, speakers reiterated the call for an aggressive Israeli response to the threat they fell is posed by Hamas.
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