Boston rally protests Israeli attacks

(Stephen Iandoli, NECN) - As images of the violence in Gaza spread throughout the world, so, too, did the sounds of protest. From the Middle East to Asia, Africa, South America and here in Boston, groups have gathered to express disdain at what they perceive to be a "U.S.-funded Israeli aggression in Gaza." Hundreds congregated on Copley Square on Saturday afternoon, waving signs and banners and wearing the names of those who have died in the Gaza Strip. Surrounded by about a dozen Boston Police officers, the large group marched down, and around, Boylston Street and Downtown Crossing. "We are trying to tell America, 'look at what's happening, look at the carnage that's happening to a tiny spit of land'," President of Gaza Mental Health Foundation Nancy Murray said at the rally. Consul General for Israel in New England, Nadav Tamir, has said all along that his country has the right to defend itself against Hamas -- a militant group to some, terrorist to others. The next step in the escalating conflict began late Saturday, when Israel unleashed its tanks and infantry in what it said would be a "lengthy" ground attack in Gaza. There were reportedly 12 groups that helped organize Saturday's protest in Boston. One of the last stops along the march route had them stopping at the Israeli Consulate. Nadav Tamir, meanwhile, said several pro-Israel rallies were planned for the coming days. He planned on attending one such rally in Rhode Island on Sunday. NECN's Stephen Iandoli reports.