A large crowd turned out yesterday for a pro-Palestinian rally, calling for peace in the Middle East.

Israel warned residents to leave Gaza in advance of retaliatory strikes against Hamas which perpetrated deadly surprise attacks on Israel last weekend, killing some 1,400 people.

Some Israelis were taken hostage and are still being held in Gaza.

The combined death toll in both Israel and Gaza has reportedly surpassed 3,000 as hostilities and violence escalate.

Pro-Palestinian supporters gathered at Colonial Building yesterday afternoon calling for peace and freedom for all.

Some participants carried Palestinian flags, and signs reading “Free Palestine”.