More protesters have gathered in Annapolis for the Middle East peace conference, with some rallying for peace while others trade verbal blows. At the main entrance of the U.S. Naval Academy, where foreign dignitaries are meeting to discuss the fate of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, more than 200 people have assembled representing various factions in the decades-old argument.

A ring of police officers separated angry protesters from a group called Orthodox Jews Against United Zionism, who were protesting an Israeli state.

Other protesters were calling for the removal of Palestinians in Israel, while others voiced support for a two-state solution. One group carried a banner that said, “Jews for Jesus.”

“So far, things are peaceful here,” said Annapolis resident Michael Snyder, 56, who was at the academy’s entrance with a group voicing support for Israeli teachers.

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“You have people yelling at each other, but they’re voicing their thoughts and opinion. If we’re going get anywhere, we need more of that than shooting missiles or bombs.”

Another rally was held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church at Church Circle.

That group of about 60 people called for a peaceful resolution, and there were no signs of tension or arguments.

Police are still in force, as more state police troopers and Anne Arundel County police officers have joined patrols of the downtown streets.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department has not been called out to any major incidents, said spokesman Battalion Chief Michael Cox.

State Highway Administration spokeswoman Kellie Boulware said there have not been any reports of congestion on Route 50 or Interstate 97. Boulware said SHA does not expect any further congestion outside of typical rush hour traffic.

However, traffic in downtown Annapolis was somewhat congested around Church Circle. Police were keeping cars and people away from the Government House, where Gov. Martin O’Malley was hosting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

That meeting has ended, and traffic along roads stemming from Church Circle is beginning to clear up.

A large box truck was driving around the downtown area with a caricature of Olmert and the message, “Go home Olmert.”

The county government put a sign this morning in front of its main building at Calvert Street that reads, “Smooth Sailing to Peace,” referring to Annapolis’ sailing history.

Staff writers Jason Flanagan and Sara Michael contributed to this story.