Over 3,000 people gathered near the White House in Washington to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. The rally turned into a march through the streets with protesters demanding an end to the genocide against Palestinians and the halting of arms transfers to Israel.
Chanting “Free Palestine” and carrying signs calling for an end to US aid to Israel, the protesters emphasized the need for immediate action. Medea Benjamin of CODEPINK stressed the growing demand for action from the US government, criticizing the support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and warning of potential operations in Lebanon and Iran.
Anti-war activist Carrie Muniak called on President Biden and Vice President Harris to halt arms supplies to Israel, citing violations of the Leahy law. Jewish protester Liana Smith expressed outrage over the US support for what she called “genocide” in Gaza and other regions, denouncing it as inconsistent with Jewish values and as a result of Zionism and settler colonialism.