Thousands Rally Worldwide in Pro-Palestinian Protests

Thousands gathered outside the White House and in central London, among other global locations, demanding an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza, marking the most severe conflict in 75 years between Israel and Palestinians.

In Washington, D.C., protesters criticized President Joe Biden for his support of Israel during the almost 100-day war with Hamas, displaying signs like “No votes for Genocide Joe” and “Biden has blood on his hands.” The crowd also supported South Africa’s genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

New York’s Dan Devries attended to advocate for Gaza’s freedom, expressing discontent with both Biden and Donald Trump. Phil Kline from Washington hoped Pope Francis would excommunicate Biden, a move he believed would be significant given Biden’s Catholic faith.

Medea Benjamin of CodePink warned that Biden’s approach to the Gaza war might permanently tarnish his image and harm the Democrats’ future.

In London, the focus was on children’s suffering in Gaza, highlighted by the 3.5-meter puppet Little Amal, representing Syrian refugees. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that women and children comprised nearly two-thirds of the casualties from Israel’s military response.

Israel’s actions were in retaliation to Hamas’ October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israel’s history, claiming about 1,200 lives, mostly civilians, and taking 250 hostages.

The march in London featured Little Amal, led by The Walk Productions’ Amir Nizar Zuabi, to symbolize the targeted childhood in Gaza.

London’s Metropolitan Police deployed 1,700 officers for crowd control, with Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and safety.

The march, avoiding the Israeli Embassy, was part of global demonstrations, including in Paris, Rome, Milan, and Dublin. These protests saw thousands waving Palestinian flags and calling for an end to the conflict, a cease-fire, and sanctions against Israel.

In Rome, demonstrators near the Colosseum staged a symbolic act of lying under white sheets, while in Paris, marchers in the Republic square called for an immediate cease-fire and lifting the blockade on Gaza.