SYDNEY (AFP) – Thousands of Muslims staged a protest in Sydney Friday against Israeli attacks on Gaza after several local mosques urged worshipers to attend the rally rather than traditional prayers.
Bearing pro-Palestinian flags and banners, a crowd of more than 4,000 flocked to Parry Park in the city's Islamic heartland to demonstrate and pray for the victims of renewed violence in the Middle East.
Five local mosques had closed their doors on the first traditional day of worship in the new year, asking Muslims to attend the vigil instead.
Local imam Ibrahim Abu Mohammad led the service, urging Israel to recognize a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and agree to a ceasefire.
"Israel is committing an act of terrorism. It's the duty of all the free people in the world to stand against it and stop this evil," he said.
"This nation has many greeds, it is built on a philosophy of transgression. Their hearts do not have any mercy."
A makeshift coffin draped in the Palestinian flag was carried before the crowd, followed by a procession of eight imams.
Women and men were separated by an expanse of grass, but they moved as one, folding to their knees with foreheads pressed to the ground in supplication.
At least 420 Palestinians have died in a seven day blitz by Israel, while rockets fired from Gaza have claimed four Israeli lives.
Israel on Wednesday rejected a French proposal for a 48-hour ceasefire to help humanitarian efforts, and tanks and troops are now massed for a threatened ground offensive.
Hamas has called for a "day of wrath" on Friday in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, with "massive marches" after weekly Muslim prayers.
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