KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Protestors on the Country Club Plaza on Thursday hoped their efforts would make people aware of Israel's attacks on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Dr. Mohamed Odah was one of the protestors. Odah, who lives in Overland Park, is from Gaza. His family still lives there, and he said he fears for their lives. Odah said that's why he decided to join more than 500 Muslims protesting on the Plaza.

"I heard one of the blasts while I was on the phone with my sister," Odah said. "They don't know when death is coming. There's a constant fear and struggle for basic necessities, the food. There's no food there."

Dr. Odah said Israel closed the Gaza borders more than a year ago. No one can go in and out, he said.

Recent rocket attacks by Hamas sparked Israel to attack.

"When you put 1.6 million people in a jail, what do you expect? Some kind of reaction is going to happen." Odah said.

"They're all trapped there. The borders are closed. They're not letting the people go anywhere. It's sad," said Lawrence resident Hazem Chahine.

The local chapter of the Muslim American Society organized Thursday's rally. Organizers said they want Israel to cease fire, to stop killing innocent women and children and open the Gaza borders for humanitarian aid.

"We want them to let food and medical supplies in. That's why we're here," said rally organizer Jomona Qaddour. "Let's not blame the victims. This has got to stop."

Many of the Muslims want the United States to force Israel to stop the attacks, and they said they are hopeful the new Obama administration might be able to bring peace back to the Middle East.