Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to protest 19-day offensive in Gaza

Police officers block off right-wing protesters, and arrest at least five; protesters dispersed after Hamas fires rockets at Israel after 8 p.m.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Anti-war protest Tel Aviv, July 27, 2014. (photo credit: BEN HARTMAN)
Anti-war protest Tel Aviv, July 27, 2014.
(photo credit: BEN HARTMAN)
Nearly 3,000 people gathered at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square on Saturday evening to protest against Israel's military offensive in Gaza which is now in its nineteenth day.
In another part of the city square, a counter protest was organized by right wing demonstrators.
There was a large police presence at the rally, including mounted police, who were separating the two sides. Border Police units deployed to the area kept the right wing protestors behind barricades to prevent confrontation.
Police cleared protestors from blocking area streets and arrested five right-wing counter protestors.
During the protest, rocket attacks from Gaza resumed, as sirens were heard in southern and central Israel. The police ordered that the crowds end their protests because of the renewed rocket barrages.
This week's events come just a week after Tel Aviv's Habima Square saw hundreds of protestors rallying for and against Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. The July 19th protest turned violent when right-wing activists hurled eggs and water bottles at those calling for Israel to get out of Gaza.
Police officers blocked off protesters who tried to attack the left-wing demonstrators and arrested eight on violence charges and for disrupting the peace.