Brussels - At least 30,000 people demonstrated on the streets of the Belgian capital Brussels on Sunday against the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. There were 100 children carrying bloody dolls at the head of the protest march, which featured banners with slogans like "The death of a child can never be collateral damage."
There were some clashes on the sidelines of the demonstration as police used water cannon against violent demonstrators.
The protestors, many wearing keffiyeh or scarves made popular by former Palestinian leader Yassir Arafat and waving Palestinian flags, demanded an end to the Israeli attacks and a deeper engagement in the region by the European Union.
Police said there were 30,000 participants at the protest, which was organized by unions and various non-governmental organizations, while Belgian radio RTBF said there were 50,000.
Some called for a boycott of Israeli goods.
At the end of the march, some demonstrators overturned a car and damaged a dozen others and a bus shelter, while a group of 100 smashed windows, Belga news agency reported.
Police arrested 10 people.
Some 800 people took part in a demonstration for peace in the Middle East in Antwerp on Sunday that was organized by a Jewish group in the port city.
Police said there were minor clashes.
"Today more than ever, Europe must demonstrate its solidarity with Israel, the only democratic state in the region," Professor Marc Cogen, who teaches international law in Ghent, said at the Antwerp demonstration.
