Angry protests have been held outside the Israeli embassy in London, as the UK government urged an "immediate halt to all violence" in Gaza.

Extra police had to be called to the embassy to control the demonstrators.

Scotland Yard estimated that 700 people took part in the protest and said three people were arrested on suspicion of committing public order offences.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called for an urgent ceasefire after Israeli airstrikes left hundreds dead. <!-- E SF -->

Mr Miliband said a recent rise in rocket attacks against Israel and the "massive loss of life" from the Israeli bombings made it a "dangerous moment".

'Deeply disturbing'

Mr Miliband said he and Prime Minister Gordon Brown were following developments in Gaza with "grave concern".

"The UK supports an urgent ceasefire and immediate halt to all violence," he said.

"The unanimous UN Security Council press statement overnight, and the EU's statement yesterday, rightly argue for this position. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is deeply disturbing."

The foreign secretary said Mr Brown had spoken his Israeli counterpart Ehud Olmert and made it clear Israel must stick by its humanitarian obligations.

Mr Miliband added that the UK supported the prompt delivery of food, fuel and medicine into the Gaza Strip.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7 802078.stm