Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Washington and London to demand an end to Israeli military action in Gaza. In the U.S. capital, protesters held up signs questioning President Joe Biden’s support for Israel in the 100-day war against Hamas, with some accusing him of “genocide.” Vendors were selling South African flags as demonstrators chanted slogans in support of South Africa’s accusations of genocide against Israel, prompting the International Court of Justice to take up the case. Protesters in Washington expressed their dissatisfaction with the U.S. government’s involvement in the war, with one resident saying he sees the war as part of the U.S.’s attempt to offset its economic decline through continual engagement in conflict.
In London, a pro-Palestinian march was held in which children joined to symbolize the suffering of the youngest victims in the Gaza Strip. The focus on the plight of children in Gaza was accompanied by the appearance of a 3.5-meter puppet meant to highlight the suffering of Syrian refugees. The most recent demonstration in London was just one of several held in European cities, including Paris, Rome, Milan, and Dublin, with protesters waving Palestinian flags, holding placards, and chanting “Free, free Palestine.” The protests underscore widespread discontent with Israeli military operations in the Palestinian enclave, with demonstrators calling for a cease-fire, an end to the war, and a lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
The protests reveal a growing movement in opposition to Israel’s military operations, with thousands participating in global demonstrations to call for an end to the conflict. The focus on children in the Gaza Strip and the presence of young families at the protests underscore the urgent need for international action to address the humanitarian crisis and the toll of the longest and deadliest war between Israel and Palestinians in 75 years. Despite the backlash against President Biden, who is under fire for his support of Israel, demonstrators are questioning the value of their vote and expressing disillusionment with U.S. government actions and policies.
