Israelis, Palestinians gather in Palo Alto to urge ceasefire

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KGO) -- Protests on both sides of the issue in the Middle East got heated Thursday night in the South Bay.

A group of Palestinians and a group of Israelis rallied as police watched close by. Both sides agree there is a dire need for peace.

This was not a friendly meeting of the minds. In Lytton Plaza, Israelis and Palestinians gathered get each of their messages across.

These groups are two sides at odds overseas and in Palo Alto. They both had candles, signs, and sorrow for the lives that have been lost. However, both groups blame the other for the death and destruction in their native land.

Nadiah Mshasha of Los Altos said, "Our tax dollars are paying for this violence and it has to stop. Innocent lives are being lost every day and there's no reason for it, there's no justification for it."

Gil Shotan of Palo Alto said, "Israel takes extraordinary measures to protect the lives of the Palestinians. It's Hamas that places these innocent civilians in the line of fire."

Palo Alto police kept a close eye on the groups, which eventually left peacefully.

In San Jose meantime, students organized a rally to honor those who have died.

Event organizer Arinee Rahman said, "This isn't about government or politics or religion. This is mainly about the people who have lost their lives and we're just trying to humanize these people that have lost their lives."