By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines
Thousands of Muslims in the southern Philippines have marched in the predominantly Muslim city of Marawi to protest and condemn Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Marchers of all ages carried Israel flags emblazoned with the word "Dajal" (The anti-Christ) on Wednesday morning, placards declaring "We are marching for Gaza" and a banner emblazoned with "Bangsamoro is Gaza!! Muslims Unite and Fight."
Agakhan M. Sharief, Chairman of the Bangsamoro National Movement For Peace and Development, condemned Israel for its "unfair and unjust offensive."
"This is genocide... children, women and the elderly are being targeted and world leaders let this happen! We let this happen," said Sharief.
Sharief stated that like their Palestinian brothers, the people of Bangsamoro were no strangers to "oppression and occupation.
"We too suffered from colonial powers for over four centuries and we are still fighting for what we assert as the right to self-rule."
After marching around the city, protesters stopped at the town mosque, laying the Israeli flag outside and inviting people to step on it.
They flag was later burned while chants of "Down with Israel!" rang around the town.
A closing prayer was offered before they peacefully dispersed.
At least 655 Palestinians and 29 Israelis have died in Israel and Palestine over the last two weeks, most Palestinians dying during Israel's bombing campaign and subsequent ground invasion in Gaza.
The United Nations office of humanitarian affairs has said that civilians made up at least 75 percent of Palestinian deaths, many of them children.
Marawi is a 95 percent predominantly Muslim city on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines south. Sharia law exists in the area, but without stoning, amputations or other punishments as they are against the country's law.
The distribution of alcoholic products and gambling is forbidden, and Muslim women must cover their heads.
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