Amid a call for an immediate end to the hostilities in Gaza, thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied against American and British support for Israel on the ‘Worldwide Protest Day’ held in Washington, London, and other locations on Saturday.
On the 99th day of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, a significant crowd gathered in Washington, displaying the iconic Palestinian kaffiyeh and waving Palestinian flags. Protesters carried banners and posters demanding “Free Palestine” and “End the War in Gaza.”
Demonstrators chanted slogans advocating for an immediate ceasefire, with banners and posters emphasizing the need for a “Free Palestine” and an end to the conflict in Gaza.
In the vicinity of the White House, a diverse group of Palestinian-Americans, primarily from Gaza but residing across the United States, shared stories of the impact of the ongoing violence on their friends and families in Gaza.
They urged President Joe Biden to cease military and financial aid to Israel. One speaker stated, “President Biden can easily stop this madness by putting pressure on Israel.” The statement received widespread support from the demonstrators, evident through extensive applause.
Since October 7th, when Israel initiated a destructive campaign against Hamas in response to attacks, London has witnessed protests against Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza. On Saturday, pro-Palestinian rallies took place, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with Gaza and condemning the Israeli offensive.
The protesters in London conveyed their grievances against the Israeli government’s actions and urged the British government to end military and economic support for Israel. They criticized the British government’s substantial role in enabling Israel’s actions.
Iran-backed groups have expressed solidarity with Gaza, condemning the naval attack in the Mediterranean following the airstrike. This week, demonstrations in Yemen against American and British airstrikes intensified, as protesters called for an end to the attacks.
A British coalition, part of the ‘Worldwide Protest Day,’ organized protests in 30 countries. Hudson, a spokesperson for the group, stated that the event demands “permanent cessation of hostilities and a permanent political settlement for all Palestinians.”
He emphasized the necessity for the British government to unequivocally withdraw its support for Israeli aggression in Gaza and to join the broader international community in condemning war crimes committed during the conflict.
