Gaza Flotilla: Thousands protest in Edinburgh. Photos

Over 4,000 demonstrators marched through Central Edinburgh this afternoon to protest against the Israeli killing of at least 9 unarmed aid workers from many different countries who had been sailing to Gaza with humanitarian aid in an attempt to break Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza.

In scorching sunshine, thousands marched through Princes Street to Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister and back to the Mound for a rally.

They were joined by Theresa McDermott, who was on the Challenger, one of the boats boarded last week. She arrived home on Friday after being released from an Israeli prison and attending the funerals of comrades in Turkey.

Reflecting on the host of ordinary people who joined the rally, Palestine Solidarity's Mick Napier said people had realised this was 'one massacre too far'.

Speakers at the rally included STUC Assistant General Secretary Dave Moxham.

The rally was told that Israeli troops had taken control of an Irish aid ship trying to break the blockade of Gaza. The MV Rachel Corrie is named after the young American woman who was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer while acting as a human shield to try to save a Palestinian's home from demolition. The ship is captained by Eric Harcus from Orkney.

Pictured on the platform are Dave Moxham on the microphone and Mick Napier (right)