Thousands at pro-Gaza march in Rotterdam

The Hague: Thousands of people protested in the Dutch port city of Rotterdam today against what some labelled Israel`s "genocide" in Gaza, media reported.

State broadcaster NOS said as many as 10,000 people took part in the demonstration against Israel`s offensive in Gaza, with marchers waving posters reading: "Free Palestine" and "No Dutch support for Palestinian genocide". The event had been organised by a coalition of pro-Palestinian organisations in the Netherlands, according to a Facebook events page. Members of the group waved the Palestinian flag and wore the keffiyeh, a Middle Eastern headdress that has become a symbol of Palestinian independence. "Error 404, humanity not found," said one placard held aloft by a protester, according to NOS footage. The group laid out a collection of coffin-like boxes and an assortment of dolls, some of them burnt, to represent the infant victims of the 20-day conflict that has killed more than 1,000 people, mainly Palestinian civilians. "For years, the Palestinians have suffered under the illegal blockade and occupation by Israel," said the Facebook page. "Since July 8, Gaza has additionally been suffering under a daily rain of bombs. The bloodshed must end!"