Protest against Gaza bombardment

Demonstrators in Exeter joined a day of protests

More than 200 people wearing black and carrying flowers have demonstrated in Devon against Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip.

The protests by Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Exeter Stop The War Coalition are part of a day of demonstrations around the country.

They come after demonstrations outside the Israeli Embassy in London.

Israel says it is defending its citizens from rocket attacks by Palestinian group Hamas.

It is out of proportion and cannot lead to peace Canon Robin Murch

The government launched the offensive after Palestinian rockets were fired into Israel's southern regions, breaking a six-month truce.

Demonstrator Penelope Putz of Trusham near Exeter told BBC News that "violence begets violence".

Ms Putz, 78, said: "I am a Quaker. I do not condone any kind of violence, but I can understand why young unemployed men are driven to sending rockets to Israel.

"They are not free."

Canon Robin Murch, of Dawlish said: "Sixty five years ago Exeter was bombed to rubbish. We cannot tolerate the destruction of the Palestinian people in Gaza.

"It is out of proportion and cannot lead to peace."

Israeli Army spokesman Olivier Rafovitch said the action was a "defensive operation".

"The State of Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas.

"We cannot continue to support attacks against our civilians, and against our cities. That's why now the ground forces are carrying out this operation in this area."