Thousands attend Syrian rally opposing Gaza violence

Damascus: Thousands of people attended a government-sponsored rally in the centre of the Syrian capital on Monday to condemn what they called "Israeli crimes" in Gaza.

Young students from state schools chanted slogans such as "God is greatest. Death to Israel. The blood of the children in Gaza will not flow without revenge."

Other protesters carried banners that said: "Stop the Israeli crimes. America is the ultimate devil."

The demonstrators raised Palestinian and Syrian flags and pictures of President Bashar Al Assad. Palestinian and Iraqi refugees also took part in the rally.