Protests at D.C.'s Israeli Embassy

UPDATE:
3:45 p.m.

About 100 pro-Palestinian supporters picketed the Israeli Embassy in Northwest Washington on Monday afternoon to denounce the deaths of at least 10 activists who were killed when Israeli naval commandos seized control of an aid flotilla headed for the Gaza Strip.

They chanted: "Occupation is a crime! Free, free Palestine" as police looked on.

Israeli officials said the activists attacked its commandos as they boarded the flotilla. Activists said Israel opened fire first.

"They were on open waters," said Joan Stallard of the group Code Pink. "It's an international, illegal act. We're calling today for Israel to go home, take your ambassador and go home."

Another picketer, David Kirshbaum, said: "Israel continues to break international law, commit atrocities and lie about it."

-- Bill Turque

2:53 P.M.
Several groups are planning a demonstration at the Israeli Embassy in Washington to protest a deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Organizers say they will gather at 3 p.m. at the embassy in northwest Washington. They say they denounce Israel's raid in which nine have died.

Israel said the activists attacked its commandos as they boarded the six ships taking tons of supplies to Gaza, while the flotilla's organizers said the Israeli forces opened fire first.

Activists in Washington say they will rally in front of the White House in the evening.

-- Associated Press