MORE than 2,000 people took part in a march in protest against Israel's bombing of Gaza.

The protest took place on Saturday in Middlesbrough along Linthorpe Road, Albert Road, past the Town Hall and on to Corporation Road.

Marchers heard a speech from Middlesbrough's Labour MP, Andy McDonald.

Hopes have been raised that the current violence may be halted, at least temporarily, after Palestinian militant group Hamas announced a 24 ceasefire today (Sun).

One of the organisers of the Teesside Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Nesrein Bashir, said there was support from the public during the march.

She said: "It was interesting because we actually had shoppers joining in and marching with us, which wouldn't normally happen.

"I think people can see the humanitarian side of this and they wanted to join us for that reason, for the killing to stop.

"It was a good weather and there was quite a carnival atmosphere. There was about 2,000 marchers but a few hundred more people joined us as we went along. There was no trouble and the police were happy with how it went."

At least 1,060 Palestinians, 45 Israelis and a Thai national living in Israel have been killed in the latest outbreak of hostilities.