NEW YORK?Thousands of demonstrators filled a city block near the United Nations building on Sunday to support Israel in its military offensive in the West Bank. This weekend people from both sides of the conflict went to the streets protesting nationwide.

In Boston, about 3,000 people gathered downtown Sunday for a “Stand with Israel” rally. The crowd sang songs and listened to religious and political leaders.

Rallies also were held Saturday in Miami and Crawford, Texas, where 1,200 people gathered blocks from where President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair held a news conference insisting Israel halt its escalating offensive in the West Bank and withdraw its troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who spoke to Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell this weekend, has pledged to try to “expedite” the military operation, according to an Israeli statement, but did not announce a timetable for a withdrawal.