WASHINGTON: Thousands of protesters gathered in cities across the United States, demanding an immediate ceasefire as the war in Gaza approaches its one-year mark. The demonstrations turned particularly dramatic when a man attempted to set himself on fire in protest.
The marches, part of a global day of action against the ongoing Israeli brutalities, come as Israel has intensified its military operations, including incursions into Lebanon. The war erupted on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel.
According to data from the health ministry in Gaza, over 41,825 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli military campaign since October 7. These figures have been acknowledged as reliable by the United Nations.
In Washington, more than a thousand protesters rallied outside the White House, vocally opposing US military aid to Israel. Zaid Khatib, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, stated, “The US government has really shown what side of history it is on,” condemning the United States for its role in the violence.
Demonstrators waved Palestinian and Lebanese flags and held signs expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Approximately two hours into the protest, a man approached the crowd and attempted to self-immolate.
Witnesses reported he ignited his left arm before nearby protesters and police intervened, extinguishing the flames with water and traditional Palestinian scarves known as keffiyehs. The man, identified as a journalist, shouted about misinformation as he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
In New York, thousands marched through Times Square, some carrying photos of victims of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which has left large parts of the region in ruins.
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Among the marchers was Cornel West, a prominent rights activist and independent presidential candidate. He expressed solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, stating, “I’m here to forever be in solidarity with people undergoing a vicious genocide.”
The US is one of Israel’s closest allies, providing billions in military assistance, which became a focal point of protest in both cities. Daniel Perez, a New York resident, voiced his frustration: “As an American, we are tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon.”
Protests also erupted in Los Angeles, where many demonstrators held signs condemning the “genocide” in Gaza. In Washington, chants for “justice” and “peace” echoed through the streets, driven by a potent mix of anger and solidarity.
Laila, an American of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, expressed her disillusionment with the US political leadership, revealing that the past year had made her unlikely to vote in the upcoming November elections. “It all disgusts me now,” she lamented. “It’s all a lie.”
