Thousands demonstrate against Pope in Gaza City

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Gaza, Sep 16: Several thousand Palestinians marched in the Gaza Strip today to protest against comments made by Pope Benedict about Islam as local leaders condemned the Pontiff and called on him to apologise to all Muslims.

In a speech in Germany on Tuesday, the Pope appeared to endorse a Christian view, contested by most Muslims, that the early Muslims spread their religion by violence.

''This is another Crusader war against the Arab and Muslim world,'' said Hamas official Ismail Radwan as he spoke to some 5,000 chanting and flag-waving demonstrators in Gaza City.

Christian independent lawmaker Hussam al-Taweel also condemned the Catholic leader's comments at the rally.

''We condemn the comments made by the Pope and we condemn every statement which harms Islam or damages relations with Muslims,'' Taweel said.

Gaza is home to an estimated 3,000 Christians among more than 1.4 million Muslims.

The Vatican issued a statement to say the Pope had never meant to offend Islam.

Earlier today, a youth centre run by the Greek Orthodox church in the Gaza Strip was slightly damaged by a small explosion which broke doors and shattered glass. The church itself was not damaged and there were no injuries.

It was unclear if the blast was connected to comments made by Pope Benedict.

''The Pope should reconsider his statements and must stop offending the Muslim religion,'' Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas said.

The Pope's comments were a hot topic on a pro-Hamas radio show for children.

''What do you say about the man who said some bad words about Islam and the Prophet Mohammad?'' the radio host asked eight-year-old Hanin.

''He is ugly and his words are ugly,'' she answered.

Reuters

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