Arab-Americans in Cleveland protest Israeli airstrikes

CLEVELAND - Euclid Avenue served as a dividing line in Cleveland Friday afternoon.

Hundreds of Arab-Americans gathered across the street from the Jewish Community Federation building and called for an end to Israeli airstrikes into Gaza.

The protesters chanted "Free Palestine" and waved Palestinian and American flags. The demonstration was peaceful.

"We are gathered here as part of a humanitarian mission," said Nour Shamas, executive director of AACCESS-Ohio. "The humanitarian mission is to bring attention to the suffering of the people of Gaza."

But local Jewish leaders said that the Islamic militant group, Hamas, which controls Gaza politically, is to blame for the Israeli airstrikes.

"This year alone over 3,000 rockets have hit Israel," said Bruce Mandel of the Jewish Community Federation. "And the bottom line is that Israel has a right to defend itself."

The conflict between Gaza and Israel has ramped up in the past eight days. Cities in southern Israel have experienced increased rocket attacks from Gaza. Israel has turned to airstrikes which military leaders say target Hamas members and weapon storage sites.

The United Nations estimates that a quarter of the more than 400 people killed in Gaza in the week-long airstrikes are Palestinian civilians.