Frankfurt  - Around 1,500 people gathering in the western German city of Frankfurt on Sunday to to demonstrate in support of Israel against Islamic extremist group Hamas.

The organizers of the three-hour demonstration were composed of a collection of Israel-friendly groups.

Around 100 supporters of the Palestinian Liberation Organization formed a counterdemonstration.

Among the speakers at the demonstration was former deputy chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Michel Friedman who spoke following a minute of silence for Israeli and Palestinian victims of the longrunning conflict. dpa