MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) – Witnesses say Bahraini security troops have fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of protesters demanding Arab governments take action to end the closure of the Gaza Strip.

The witnesses say a number of people, including women and children, were wounded by rubber bullets and others overcome by gas. The witnesses spoke on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals by authorities and could not give exact numbers.

Ibraheem Sharif, an opposition leader, says over 10,000 people were attending the rally Friday.

Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Mohamad Bin Dina denies rubber bullets were used, saying tear gas was fired when some demonstrators began destroying public property and throwing stones at police.