Thousands of people are taking part in a huge rally and march through London to protest against Israel's continued attacks on the Gaza Strip.

A heavy police presence lined the route of the march from Hyde Park to the Israeli embassy. Demonstrators chanted "free, free Palestine", while some were seen to throw stones and shoes at officers.

Fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas has entered its third week and goes on in defiance of United Nations resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The death told stands at 800 and 250 of those are children.

Both sides continue to launch rocket attacks, while Israeli ground troops have moved closer to Gaza City.

Today's rally is Britain's biggest pro-Palestine demonstration and has been organised by groups including Stop the War Coalition, the British Muslim Initiative and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Coaches were organised to bus protestors in to London from cities across the country.

Thousands of people gathered for a mass rally in Hyde Park, before the march to the embassy in Kensington.

Once at the embassy building placards were burnt and some of the crowd clashed with police wearing riot gear.

Former London mayor Ken Livingstone, Cherie Blair's half-sister Lauren Booth, film star Juliet Stevenson and musician and producer Brian Eno were among those who agreed to take part.

Speaking at the rally Ms Booth criticised brother-in-law Tony Blair over his attempts to bring about a successful ceasefire.

“Tony Blair’s only comment regarding the ceasefire has been to say that it can only take place after the tunnels in Gaza are destroyed," she said.

“What he is suggesting means that after the massacre people will have no access to food, kerosene and medicines that came through those tunnels. That is not a ceasefire that is a slow agonising death.”

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