Thousands Rally in Amsterdam against Gaza Attacks

Around 3,000 people staged a peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstration in Amsterdam on Sunday, calling for an end to the bloody Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, an Agence France-Presse correspondent said. 

People of all ages -- Arab and European -- gathered on the Museumplein square, opposite the renowned Rijksmuseum, before marching through the city center, carrying signs including "Stop the war" and "Israel war criminals."

"It just has to stop. Children are being killed and they are innocent," said Ekrem Kara, 32, wearing a traditional Palestinian black and white keffiyeh scarf.

"I don't understand why the world is silent, why no one says anything, it just has to end."

At least 425 Palestinians and seven Israelis have been killed since the conflict began on July 8. The Palestinian dead include 112 children, 41 women and 25 elderly people.

Israel says its bloodiest incursion into the impoverished and isolated Gaza Strip in five years is to halt militant rocket fire.

A discreet police presence monitored the protest in Amsterdam, which included many demonstrators carrying Arab and Turkish flags and chanting "Free Palestine."

"It's beyond words, they're not human, because normal people don't do this," said female protester Esra, 26.

"Look at children's rights, at human rights, it's just outrageous. No respect for people, no respect for belief, no respect for us."