Bethlehem - Ma'an - Tens of thousands rallied in London on Saturday, the culmination of a week-long series of demonstrations held across the United Kingdom protesting the continued Israeli assault on Gaza.

Since last Sunday, protests have been held outside the Israeli and Egyptian embassies in London to protest the ongoing "slaughter" in Gaza. Demonstrations have also been held in other UK cities.

Saturday's central London rally saw at least 50,000 march in solidarity with, and support of, the people of Gaza. The mood was characterised by an ever-growing sense of anger and fury from the protesters.

Despite intense public pressure, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has fallen short of condemning the Israeli bombardment and the British government has not taken any concrete action to stop Israel "committing atrocities against the Palestinians" living in the Gaza Strip.

The march, which passed through London's Parliament Square, flowed from Whitehall to Downing Street, the residence of Prime Minister Brown. As they passed, protesters hurled shoes at the gates as a sign of their frustration.

The march ended with a rally in Trafalgar Square. Prominent speakers included veteran politician Tony Benn, who called for a European boycott of Israel. Other high-profile supporters included comedian Alexei Sayle, singer Annie Lennox, former London mayor Ken Livingstone and activist Bianca Jagger.

Rallies were held in other UK cities including Glasgow, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bristol, Liverpool, Norwich, Portsmouth, Hull, Tunbridge Wells, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Swansea, York, Caernarfon, Bradford, and Sheffield.