This article contains references to rape and sexual assault involving a minor.
Thousands of Israelis have demonstrated and observed a symbolic work strike 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 midday was held "to protest the growing violence against women and girls in Israel, and lack of sufficient punishment", women's group Bonot Alternativa said.
One of the event's organisers, Ariel Peleg, told AFP at least 30 organisations and companies, including municipalities and Microsoft Israel, took part in the vigil which fell on the first day of the Israeli working week.
In the evening, demonstrations were held throughout the country, with thousands attending the main event in the coastal city of Tel Aviv.
An AFP reporter who was there said many of the participants wore red clothes at the request of the organisers.
The "women's strike" was organised after reports in recent days a group of men allegedly raped an intoxicated teenage girl at a hotel in the Red Sea resort of Eilat.
The reports triggered demonstrations in several Israeli cities on Thursday and was denounced by top leaders, including President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Police said 11 suspects, including nine minors and a woman said to be the manager of the hotel, had been arrested in connection with the affair as part of an "ongoing investigation".
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
