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In pictures: Hundreds of thousands march to support Gaza in Washington, DC
Protest leaders demanded the US secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
SHABINA S. KHATRI
AA
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in support of Palestine on Saturday in Washington, DC. The event was the latest in a series of protests held by pro-Palestinian supporters around the world, including a major rally in London over the weekend, amid Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
The March on Washington for Gaza was endorsed by hundreds of organisations, including American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). According to leaders, the rally is one of the largest pro-Palestinian protests held in the US since Israel's Oct. 7 war on Gaza began, with hundreds of thousands of attendees.
The rally began in Freedom Plaza and ended in front of the White House.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Several high-profile speakers addressed the Washington crowd, including third party presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, Code Pink Director Medea Benjamin and Imam Omar Suleiman.
The Palestinian American scholar called out the "insanity of the moment" in a direct attack on President Joe Biden. Referring to the recent US bombings of Yemen's Houthis, Suleiman said:
"You are shameless. If you have failed to see our humanity, we have not failed to see your hypocrisy. You've made it clear that shipping lanes in Yemen are more important to you than our lives. And you've made it clear that you want our votes without hearing our voices.
"But we're going to make you hear our voice today on behalf of all of these families and all of the martyrs and all of those that are still standing strong. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., we charge you with genocide."
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
More than 23,000 people have been killed since Israel began bombing Gaza in October, including at least 10,000 children and 100 journalists. Amid international calls for a ceasefire from more than 150 countries and dozens of aid groups, Biden has stood by Israel.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a letter sent to Biden, protest leaders said they demanded Biden work to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Al Jazeera journalist Wael al Dahdouh, whose wife, daughter, two sons and a grandchild were killed by Israeli airstrikes, also spoke to the crowd via video link.
“The people are paying an exorbitant price, and are living a disastrous life,” he said. “People do not have sustenance, food or drink, a place to sleep, a bathroom and what is necessary for a life, not for a decent life, rather what is basically necessary to maintain life.”
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Organisers said the march was particularly timely as the bombing of Gaza approaches 100 days on Monday.
That date coincides with the birthday of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, whose anti-war record and reputation for speaking against oppression inspired some Gaza supporters.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In addition to Palestinian flags, many protesters waved South African flags as they chanted in support of Pretoria for filing a case against Israel in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague in the Netherlands.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
But the names most prominent on speakers' lips were Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a statement alluding to the upcoming US elections in November, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad said, "the Biden administration can no longer ignore the millions of Americans who are saying 'enough is enough.' It is time for the administration to listen to the people and demand an immediate ceasefire, end its support for the Israeli apartheid government, and hold Israeli officials to account for their crimes against humanity."
SOURCE: TRT WORLD
Shabina Khatri is a Senior Editor at TRT World and is based in Washington, D.C.
@shabinakhatri
Protest leaders demanded the US secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
SHABINA S. KHATRI
AA
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in support of Palestine on Saturday in Washington, DC. The event was the latest in a series of protests held by pro-Palestinian supporters around the world, including a major rally in London over the weekend, amid Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
The March on Washington for Gaza was endorsed by hundreds of organisations, including American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). According to leaders, the rally is one of the largest pro-Palestinian protests held in the US since Israel's Oct. 7 war on Gaza began, with hundreds of thousands of attendees.
The rally began in Freedom Plaza and ended in front of the White House.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Several high-profile speakers addressed the Washington crowd, including third party presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, Code Pink Director Medea Benjamin and Imam Omar Suleiman.
The Palestinian American scholar called out the "insanity of the moment" in a direct attack on President Joe Biden. Referring to the recent US bombings of Yemen's Houthis, Suleiman said:
"You are shameless. If you have failed to see our humanity, we have not failed to see your hypocrisy. You've made it clear that shipping lanes in Yemen are more important to you than our lives. And you've made it clear that you want our votes without hearing our voices.
"But we're going to make you hear our voice today on behalf of all of these families and all of the martyrs and all of those that are still standing strong. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., we charge you with genocide."
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
More than 23,000 people have been killed since Israel began bombing Gaza in October, including at least 10,000 children and 100 journalists. Amid international calls for a ceasefire from more than 150 countries and dozens of aid groups, Biden has stood by Israel.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a letter sent to Biden, protest leaders said they demanded Biden work to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Al Jazeera journalist Wael al Dahdouh, whose wife, daughter, two sons and a grandchild were killed by Israeli airstrikes, also spoke to the crowd via video link.
“The people are paying an exorbitant price, and are living a disastrous life,” he said. “People do not have sustenance, food or drink, a place to sleep, a bathroom and what is necessary for a life, not for a decent life, rather what is basically necessary to maintain life.”
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Organisers said the march was particularly timely as the bombing of Gaza approaches 100 days on Monday.
That date coincides with the birthday of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, whose anti-war record and reputation for speaking against oppression inspired some Gaza supporters.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In addition to Palestinian flags, many protesters waved South African flags as they chanted in support of Pretoria for filing a case against Israel in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague in the Netherlands.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
But the names most prominent on speakers' lips were Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a statement alluding to the upcoming US elections in November, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad said, "the Biden administration can no longer ignore the millions of Americans who are saying 'enough is enough.' It is time for the administration to listen to the people and demand an immediate ceasefire, end its support for the Israeli apartheid government, and hold Israeli officials to account for their crimes against humanity."
SOURCE: TRT WORLD
Shabina Khatri is a Senior Editor at TRT World and is based in Washington, D.C.
@shabinakhatri
Video: Palestinian supporters try to breach White House fencing, rioters attack officers, staffers relocated, no arrests
PAUL SACCA
THE BLAZE
JANUARY 13, 2024
Thousands of Palestinian supporters descended on Washington, D.C. on Saturday in a demonstration to demand a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. However, the protest escalated into a violent confrontation with law enforcement that damaged the fence protecting the White House.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in the March on Washington for Gaza – which called for "an immediate ceasefire, an end to U.S. military funding to Israel, and lifting the siege on Gaza."
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, and lashed out at President Joe Biden. The protesters held signs that read: "Genocide Joe has got to go" and "Biden has blood on his hands." The crowd also chanted: "F*** Joe Biden!" The demonstrators threw dozens of bloodied baby dolls over the fence protecting the White House.
However, the protest became violent as Palestine supporters hurled objects at law enforcement guarding the White House. The mob also damaged the security fence in front of the White House, reportedly forcing Secret Service members suited up in riot gear to try to quell the tense situation.
Video journalist Julio Rosas wrote on the X social media platform, "DC police and Secret Service had to rush to one part of the security fence to prevent a breach from the Palestinian crowd."
Field reporter Wid Lyman noted, "Protesters have breached the reinforced gate and riot police have confronted them - other protesters began scaling the fence."
Some of the protesters near the barrier were heard shouting: "Break it down!
White House staff and journalists were "relocated" during the escalation.
The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News, "During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage. The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams."
"As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed," the statement read. "The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings."
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement, "The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated."
"While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful, there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers," Smith added. "We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions."
Authorities anticipated possible unrest in the capital and erected extra fencing around the White House before Saturday.
President Biden was not at the White House at the time of the violence since he had already departed to Camp David on Saturday morning.
PAUL SACCA
THE BLAZE
JANUARY 13, 2024
Thousands of Palestinian supporters descended on Washington, D.C. on Saturday in a demonstration to demand a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. However, the protest escalated into a violent confrontation with law enforcement that damaged the fence protecting the White House.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in the March on Washington for Gaza – which called for "an immediate ceasefire, an end to U.S. military funding to Israel, and lifting the siege on Gaza."
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, and lashed out at President Joe Biden. The protesters held signs that read: "Genocide Joe has got to go" and "Biden has blood on his hands." The crowd also chanted: "F*** Joe Biden!" The demonstrators threw dozens of bloodied baby dolls over the fence protecting the White House.
However, the protest became violent as Palestine supporters hurled objects at law enforcement guarding the White House. The mob also damaged the security fence in front of the White House, reportedly forcing Secret Service members suited up in riot gear to try to quell the tense situation.
Video journalist Julio Rosas wrote on the X social media platform, "DC police and Secret Service had to rush to one part of the security fence to prevent a breach from the Palestinian crowd."
Field reporter Wid Lyman noted, "Protesters have breached the reinforced gate and riot police have confronted them - other protesters began scaling the fence."
Some of the protesters near the barrier were heard shouting: "Break it down!
White House staff and journalists were "relocated" during the escalation.
The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News, "During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage. The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams."
"As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed," the statement read. "The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings."
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement, "The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated."
"While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful, there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers," Smith added. "We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions."
Authorities anticipated possible unrest in the capital and erected extra fencing around the White House before Saturday.
President Biden was not at the White House at the time of the violence since he had already departed to Camp David on Saturday morning.
A Pro-Palestinian protester holds a placard depicting US President Joe Biden (L on poster) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R on poster).
(Photo by DAVIDE LONGARI / AFP)(AFP)
Protesters demand cease-fire at March for Gaza rally in Washington DC
Thousands gather in US capital as Israel's Gaza offensive approaching 100 days
Rabia İclal Turan |14.01.2024 -
SOURCE: TRT WORLD
Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington DC
WASHINGTON
Tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday in Washington DC for a march and rally to demand a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and an end to US military aid to Israel.
The rally, organized by the American Muslim Task Force on Palestine and ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and Racism), started with remarks from Americans whose families have been killed in Gaza.
Alaa Hussein Ali, from the state of Michigan, said he lost 100 family members, including more than 60 children, in Gaza in what he called a “genocide.”
He said his brother went looking for water for a “dangerous trip” from the north to the south of Gaza, but never came back as he was killed by an Israeli sniper.
“He was shot several times in his chest. And he was found five days later in one of the hospitals in Gaza,” he said.
Adam, who is a Palestinian-American pharmacist from Gaza, said he lost more than 100 family members, including his father, in the Israeli offensive.
“Israel killed a man who loved life, loved peace, loved people, loved nature. And most of all, he loved his grandkids,” he said.
“The tale of each family member who was murdered is a testimony of ongoing genocide of my Palestinian people,” he said. “President Biden can easily put a stop to this genocide.”
“He can easily pick up the phone and call Israel to stop this madness,” he added.
The crowd chanted: “Free Palestine”, “Ceasefire Now”, and “End the occupation” while holding signs that read: “End the war on Gaza” and “Let Gaza Live.”
The rally continued with speeches from prominent activists, community leaders and celebrities before protesters marched through the streets of the US capital.
WASHINGTON
Tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday in Washington DC for a march and rally to demand a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and an end to US military aid to Israel.
The rally, organized by the American Muslim Task Force on Palestine and ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and Racism), started with remarks from Americans whose families have been killed in Gaza.
Alaa Hussein Ali, from the state of Michigan, said he lost 100 family members, including more than 60 children, in Gaza in what he called a “genocide.”
He said his brother went looking for water for a “dangerous trip” from the north to the south of Gaza, but never came back as he was killed by an Israeli sniper.
“He was shot several times in his chest. And he was found five days later in one of the hospitals in Gaza,” he said.
Adam, who is a Palestinian-American pharmacist from Gaza, said he lost more than 100 family members, including his father, in the Israeli offensive.
“Israel killed a man who loved life, loved peace, loved people, loved nature. And most of all, he loved his grandkids,” he said.
“The tale of each family member who was murdered is a testimony of ongoing genocide of my Palestinian people,” he said. “President Biden can easily put a stop to this genocide.”
“He can easily pick up the phone and call Israel to stop this madness,” he added.
The crowd chanted: “Free Palestine”, “Ceasefire Now”, and “End the occupation” while holding signs that read: “End the war on Gaza” and “Let Gaza Live.”
The rally continued with speeches from prominent activists, community leaders and celebrities before protesters marched through the streets of the US capital.
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