They stood around bright flags which were placed in the lawn at the state capitol. Each represents someone killed in Gaza during this conflict with Israel, more than 500 Palestinians so far.

There are also casualties on the Israeli side. The majority of the people here are Muslims and Christians with a few Jews standing in solidarity.

"Our hope is that President-Elect Obama will hear our voices and have a balance and a peaceful resolution for a conflict that's been happening for many many years," Hakim Ouansafi said.

They also held a traditional prayer for the people killed. Many of them, women and children.

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