[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/10/art.protest.gi.jpg caption="Protestors gathered near the White House Saturday."]WASHINGTON (CNN) - Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists rallied outside the temporary residence of President-elect Barack Obama Saturday, and called on the incoming leader to stop the violence in Gaza.
About 3,000 people carrying signs and chanting "Free Palestine" flooded Lafayette Park, which is sandwiched between the White House and the Hay-Adams Hotel, where the president-elect is living with his family.
Carrying a Palestinian and wearing a keffiyeh, Abdel-Kader Elkabil called on the president-elect to take action.
"Please Mr. Obama, do something. We love you. We voted for you," said Abdel-Kader Elkabil. "I'm expecting you to do something...you're the only one who can do something."
Asma Mobin-Uddin drove to Washington with a group of 500 activists from Ohio. She said she had voted for Obama because she believed he could "make a difference."
"President Obama, look in the eyes of your kids and look in the eyes of the kids in that region," said Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin. "Please, stop the violence, stop the hate, stop the occupation."
Though the president-elect has been asked by reporters to comment on the situation in Gaza, Obama has consistently deferred to President Bush.
"I've been getting briefed every day. I've had consistent conversations with members of the current administration about what's taking place," Obama said Monday.
"I will continue to insist that when it comes to foreign affairs, it is particularly important to adhere to the principle of one president at a time, because there are delicate negotiations taking place right now, and we can't have two voices coming out of the United States when you have so much at stake."