Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Britain to protest at Israel's air attacks on Lebanon. Tony Blair's government, like the Bush administration in the United States, has refused to publicly call for a ceasefire - putting it at odds with the United Nations and European allies such as France.

A joint statement from some of the world's major aid agencies yesterday slammed the British premier's stance.

London was among the venues for a series of rallies organized by groups including the Stop the War Coalition and the Muslim Association of Britain.

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The flag of Lebanon was at the forefront of the London protest. (AP)