11:48pm UK, Saturday July 22, 2006

Thousands of protesters across the UK have demonstrated against the Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

Rallies took place in London and other major cities organised by prominent Muslim groups and the Stop The War Coalition.

180 anti israel demo in london middle east lebanon

Protests in London

In London police estimated that about 7,000 people began a march from Whitehall through the centre of the West End, past the US Embassy and on to Hyde Park.

Figures at the front of the protest included leaders of organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain and anti-war campaigners like Respect MP George Galloway and writer Tariq Ali.

Mr Galloway made a speech which he said is illegal in the UK because of anti-terror laws designed to outlaw the glorification of terrorism.

He said: "Hizbollah is not a terrorist group and I am here to glorify the Lebanese resistance movement."

He added: "I'll see you in court, Mr Blair."

The vast majority of demonstrators, which included men, women and children, shouted slogans such as "Peace for Lebanon" while carrying banners and a Lebanese national flag.

However a handful chanted "Hizbollah" and "Down with Israel".

Demonstrations were organised in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Kirkcaldy, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York.

Richard Searle, of the Stop The War Coalition, said of the Manchester rally: "It was a very lively and passionate demonstration, but also very peaceful.

"There was a handful of pro-Israeli people trying to wind us up, but it didn't work."

On Sunday a rally will be held in Kenton, Middlesex, in support of Israel's "right to defend itself", the Board of Deputies of British Jews said.

Henry Grunwald, president of the board, said: "At a time when the situation in the Middle East is extremely precarious, we would like to send a message of support to the people of Israel."