Israelis rally for Palestinian state, end of occupation

People take part in a demonstration held by Israeli left-wing group Peace Now, entitled "Two States, One Hope, A demonstration against 50 years of occupation", in Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday. (REUTERS)

TEL AVIV: Thousands of Israelis rallied Saturday in Tel Aviv in support of a Palestinian state ahead of the 50th anniversary of Israel鈥檚 occupation of Palestinian land.
Banners bearing the slogan 鈥淭wo states, One Hope鈥� featured in the demonstration organized by supporters of a Palestinian state, including the Israeli NGO Peace Now.
NGO head Avi Buskila said the rally was a protest against 鈥渢he lack of hope being offered by a government perpetuating occupation, violence and racism.鈥�
鈥淭he time has come to prove to the Israelis, the Palestinians and the entire world that an important segment of the Israeli population is opposed to occupation and wants a two-state solution,鈥� he added.
A message of support from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was read out at the rally.
鈥淚t is time to live together in harmony, security and stability,鈥� Abbas was quoted as saying.
鈥淥ur duty toward future generations is to conclude a peace of the brave.鈥�
Israeli opposition Labour party leader Isaac Herzog attended the rally and threw his support behind a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.