Thousands rally in world capitals against Israel

By Stephen Hird

LONDON (Reuters) - Demonstrators in Washington marched under Palestinian flags and tens of thousands rallied in cities across Europe and the Middle East on Saturday to protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza.

Clashes with police broke out at some rallies in Europe. Danish police said they arrested 75 people at a demonstration in Copenhagen after activists smashed car windows, threw eggs at buses and attacked a McDonalds outlet.

In Washington, several thousand demonstrators gathered in a park opposite the White House to protest the Bush administration's backing for Israel.

"Free Palestine. Let Gaza live!" they chanted as they marched. Some banners called on incoming President-elect Barack Obama to change U.S. policy.

"My country gives billions of dollars a year to support a disgusting regime that practices genocide," said Washington resident Mary Carrick.

Police in riot gear confronted around 20,000 protesters brandishing banners and Palestinian flags outside the Israeli embassy in central London, while Oslo police used tear gas against rock-throwing activists in the Norwegian capital.

About 30,000 took to the streets of Paris, many demonstrators wearing Palestinian keffiyah headscarves and chanting "we are all Palestinians," "Israel murderer" and "peace." Some threw stones at police and burnt Israeli flags.

"UNACCEPTABLE WAR"