DEMONSTRATORS against the conflict in Gaza have take to the streets of Southampton city centre this afternoon – as the Palestine death toll reaches 900.

Waving placards demanding an end to the violence, the protesters gathered in East Park before marching to the BBC studios in Havelock Road.

Daily Echo:

Chanting slogans, they gathered with the aim of drawing attention to the plight of civilians in Gaza and to call for an end to the bombing by Israel.

Before they did this the names of children killed in the recent bombing raids were read out in a ceremony near the peace fountain.

This had been due to happened at the city’s Cenotaph but a rival demonstration by around 20 members of the far-right English Defence League (EDL) chanting pro-Israeli slogans and waving Star of David flags forced the protesters to move from Watts Park across Above Bar Street.

The march was organised by the Grass Roots Muslim Movement and supported by Students for Palestine, although people attending came from across the community.

Speaking ahead of the march, protest organiser Abdullah Cattel, from the Grass Roots Muslim Movement, said: "What's happening in Gaza has escalated and we feel it's one of the greatest humanitarian causes in our age. It has been for a long time but the current bombardment of Gaza has made it come out into public again.

"We thought this was the best time to make a concerted effort to bring the situation of Gaza to an end. We are hoping we can unite everyone behind the cause."

It came as the death toll in Gaza reached 985 after 85 bodies were pulled from rubble during a 12-hour truce.

Daily Echo:

Thirty-nine Israelis have died.

Israel launched its military offensive on July 8, on the grounds of stopping Hamas firing rockets at them.