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March on Washington for Gaza

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For the protest for Palestine held in Washington, D.C., in November 2023, see National March on Washington: Free Palestine.

March on Washington for Gaza
Part of 2023 Israel–Hamas war protests in the United States
DateJanuary 13, 2024 (2024-01-13)
VenueFreedom Plaza
LocationWashington, D.C., United States
CauseResponse to 2023 Israel–Hamas war
ParticipantsTens of thousands to 400,000 (estimated)

The March on Washington for Gaza was a protest on January 13, 2024, in response to the Israel–Hamas war, to call for a ceasefire in the conflict.[1][2] The march was organized by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine, Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), and other groups.[1][2] The date was chosen to coincide nearly 100 days of war.[3] Similar marches were held around the globe, including in London as part of a global day of protest.[1]

Background

See also: Israel–Hamas war protests and Anti-Palestinianism during the Israel–Hamas war

By January 2024, more than 23,000 Gazans had been killed due to the war.[4] CAIR had previously sent a letter protesting the war to the White House listing demands, including ceasefire, and calling for Israeli officials to be "held accountable for the Gaza genocide".[2] During January 2024, South Africa had initiated criminal proceedings at the ICJ against Israel claiming genocide.[2]

Protest

The protest had been promoted in advance as among the largest pro-Palestinian protests.[2] The Washington Post states it was the second largest pro-Palestinian event in Washington, after the March for Palestine in 2023.[3] CAIR claimed more than 400,000 attended the march.[5] Protestors were bused in from multiple states, including Minnesota and Florida.[2]

In addition to Palestinian flags and keffiyehs,[6] protestors also displayed the South African flag, in reference to the ICJ proceedings against Israel led by South Africa.[1]

The event began as a rally with a series of pro-Palestinian speakers before transitioning into a march.[3] Additionally to criticizing the war and the loss of civilian life, speakers also spoke out against the US strikes on Houthis in Yemen.[6] Speakers at the event included both a virtual appearance by Wael Al-Dahdouh, as well as in-person speeches by Cornel West and Jill Stein.[6] State Rep. Iman Jodeh and former State Department official Josh Paul also spoke.[3] During events, some protestors laid down on the ground to represent dead bodies from the war.[1]

The march after the rally moved towards the National Mall into Lafayette Square.[3] Protestors carried signs criticizing Joe Biden of enabling "genocide".[4]

Aftermath

Though the march remained peaceful, light graffiti was seen around the area, and at least one protestor attempted to scale a fence close to the White House.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Kirka, Danica; Hadjicostis, Menelaos; Hussein, Fatima (January 13, 2024). "A global day of protests draws thousands in Washington and other cities in pro-Palestinian marches". AP News. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Helmore, Edward; Yang, Maya (January 13, 2024). "Thousands march on Washington to demand ceasefire in Gaza". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Jackman, Tom; Diaz, Olivia; Williams, Clarence; Heim, Joe (January 14, 2024). "March for Gaza rally draws thousands to D.C. on Saturday". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Turner, Tyrone; Bowman, Emma (January 13, 2024). "Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in D.C. march to demand cease-fire in Gaza". NPR. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Allison, Ismail (January 13, 2024). "CAIR Commends 400,000+ Marchers for Historic Turnout at March on Washington for Gaza". CAIR. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Mayes-Osterman, Cybele; Cuevas, Eduardo (January 13, 2024). "Thousands at Saturday protest in Washington DC call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire". USA Today. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
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