Thousands Call for Ceasefire in Washington Protest Against Israeli Bombardment of Gaza
Thousands of pro-Palestine supporters gathered in Washington D.C. to demand a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The massive protest, which saw an estimated 30,000 demonstrators take to the streets, is the latest in a series of global demonstrations against the violence in the region.
The protesters congregated at Freedom Plaza before marching past the White House, holding signs and chanting slogans calling for an immediate end to the hostilities. One sign, which accused President Biden of being a child murderer, garnered attention for its provocative message.
The demonstrators called for the United States to halt its military aid to Israel and condemned the retaliatory strikes on Gaza. They argued that the severe damage caused by the bombings has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with the death toll surpassing 9,250 people according to Gaza’s health ministry.
An announcement on the Answer Coalition website urged people to stand with the besieged people of Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need for action. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and carried signs denouncing the US for enabling what they perceive as war crimes.
The rally drew support from a wide range of groups, including Orthodox and other Jews. Some of the signs displayed during the protest explicitly condemned what they described as Zionist terrorism in Gaza. The event was co-sponsored by nine Palestinian organizations, with endorsements from a further 443 groups, including anti-war coalitions, environmentalists, and various religious organizations.
Similar protests took place across the United States, from New York to Seattle, as well as in smaller cities such as Orono, Maine. The global outcry against the Israeli bombings was also echoed in major cities worldwide, including London, Berlin, Paris, Ankara, and Istanbul.
However, Jewish groups advised against counter-protesting or engaging with the pro-Palestine marchers, fearing that it could escalate tensions and lead to anti-Semitic rhetoric.
The protest came as Israel’s bombardment of Gaza entered its 27th day. Despite called for a humanitarian pause by President Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the request, demonstrating a departure from previous commitments to refrain from dictating Israel’s military policy.
The Washington D.C. protest highlighted growing international pressure for a resolution to the conflict and a cessation of violence. As the demonstrations continue, it remains to be seen how the international community and world leaders will respond to the ongoing crisis.
