Tens of Thousands of Pro-Palestinians Rally in Washington, DC to Demand Ceasefire in Gaza
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to protest against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The rally, attended by one of the largest crowds in the city’s history, was organized by a coalition of pro-Palestinian groups. The demonstrators called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. funding for the Israeli military, and for Israel to be held accountable for war crimes and violations of international law.
At a rally held at Freedom Plaza, speakers shared personal stories of victims in Gaza, while protesters marched towards the White House carrying signs displaying the names of Palestinians killed in the conflict. President Joe Biden also faced criticism, with demonstrators accusing him of participating in a genocide.
One of the speakers, Al Jazeera journalist Wael al-Dahdouh, spoke via video link about the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. Al-Dahdouh, who lost his wife, daughter, two sons, and a grandchild in an Israeli airstrike, emphasized the need for the world to pay attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. He described the situation as a great injustice to defenseless people, civilian people.
Other notable speakers at the rally included long-shot U.S. presidential candidates Cornel West and Jill Stein, as well as Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcom X. The event’s lead organizer, Mohamad Habehh, explained that it was chosen to coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal holiday in the United States and to mark 100 days of war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the United Nations stated that it was working tirelessly to meet the urgent needs of hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians in Gaza. According to Jamie McGoldrick, the newly-appointed Resident Coordinator, the current restriction imposed by Israel at the Rafah crossing impedes the delivery of supplies. McGoldrick called for a change in this restriction to enable the delivery of the required 200 truckloads of supplies each day.
The rally in Washington, D.C. demonstrated the unity of pro-Palestinian groups and their determination to seek justice for the people of Gaza. With powerful speeches and a strong show of support, the demonstrators sent a clear message that they refuse to accept the continued violence and devastation wrought upon the people of Palestine.
