Protesters chain themselves to building

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A protest at the Israeli Consulate in Los Angeles has ended after temporarily stopping traffic on Wilshire Boulevard.

Chanting in protest to the violence in the Gaza Strip, Jewish demonstrators tried, but were unable to, shut down the Israeli Consulate on Wilshire Boulevard.

At least two demonstrators chained themselves onto the handrails on the front steps of the building, and another group of six formed a circular human chain blocking the building's parking entrance.

"We're here today because we're outraged as Jewish people that Israel would act in our name in waging war, committing war crimes against the people of Gaza," said Eric Roman.

The protest drew about 50 people and is that latest round in the ongoing battle within the Jewish community over the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Less than three hours into the protest, LAPD Chief William Bratton showed up and convinced demonstrators to disperse peacefully to avoid arrests.

Egyptian and Palestinian officials say they are negotiating a 10-day cease-fire in Gaza, where the Palestinian death toll has passed 1,000 in the 19-day-old offensive.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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