Thousands of Israelis demonstrated and observed a symbolic work stoppage on Sunday to denounce sexual violence against women following the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl in a Red Sea resort.

The hour-long strike at noon was held "to protest the growing violence against women and girls in Israel, and lack of sufficient punishment," said women's group Bonot Alternativa.

One of the event's organizers, Ariel Peleg, told AFP at least 30 organizations and companies, including municipalities and Microsoft Israel, took part in the vigil which fell on the first day of the Israeli working week.

AFP