Israelis call for an end to air raids in Gaza

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-02-2009 09:43

Demonstrators have gathered in Jerusalem to demand an end to the bombardment of Gaza. Representing a coalition of left-wing parties and peace groups, the protesters rallied outside the residence of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Foreign ministers and senior officials from all 27  EU member states attend a meeting focused on Israeli attacks in the Gaza strip in Paris. The European  Union demanded Tuesday that Israel and Hamas halt  their conflict in Gaza, as the world's top diplomats scrambled to find a solution to the escalating blood- shed.(AFP photo)

They held placards with slogans like "Stop the Occupation" and "Stop Firing." Thursday's rally was the first pro-peace demonstration to take place in Jerusalem since the Israeli operation in Gaza started on Saturday.

A poll on Thursday showed that 52 percent of Israelis want the aerial campaign to continue, while only 20 percent would prefer a cease-fire. However, 19 percent also want to see a ground offensive, even though that would entail casualties in the army's ranks.

Editor:Yang Jie